Zinnia Seeds - Oklahoma Salmon

Zinnia Oklahoma Salmon is a charming variety known for its vibrant, salmon-colored blooms and compact, bushy growth habit. Part of the Oklahoma series, this zinnia produces dense, double-flowered blooms that stand out with their unique, soft peach-pink tones. It is an excellent choice for gardeners seeking a hardy, easy-to-grow flower with long-lasting blooms, making it perfect for both garden displays and cut flower arrangements.

Key Benefits

Vibrant Salmon Color: The beautiful, salmon-pink blooms add a soft, warm touch to garden beds, borders, or floral arrangements.
Compact Growth Habit: Unlike some taller varieties, Oklahoma Salmon zinnias grow to a manageable height, making them perfect for containers, smaller gardens, or as edging plants.
Hardy and Resilient: Known for its resistance to pests and diseases, Oklahoma Salmon is a durable variety that thrives in a range of climates.
Long-Lasting Blooms: The double flowers are dense and long-lasting, perfect for adding color to your garden or home.
Attracts Pollinators: These zinnias are known to attract bees and butterflies, making them a great addition to pollinator-friendly gardens.

Variety Features

• Plant Characteristics: Compact, bushy plants with dense, double blooms that stand out in vibrant salmon-pink hues.
• Flower Size: Each bloom grows to around 3–4 inches in diameter, making them perfect for adding to bouquets or floral arrangements.
• Growth Habit: These plants form a bushy, upright shape, growing about 18–24 inches tall.
• Height: Reaches a height of about 18–24 inches, making it ideal for mid-sized garden beds, containers, or borders.

Planting Instructions

Planting Season

• When to Plant: Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last expected frost date or sow them directly outdoors once the danger of frost has passed.
• Ideal Temperature: Zinnias thrive in warm temperatures, ideally between 70°F–85°F (21°C–29°C) during the growing season.

Planting Details

• Seed Depth: Plant seeds about 1/4 inch deep.
• Spacing: Space plants about 10–12 inches apart to allow for adequate air circulation and prevent overcrowding.
• Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0–7.5.
• Sunlight: Zinnias need full sun, so plant them in a spot that receives at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily.

Care Instructions

Watering

• Water deeply once the soil surface starts to dry out.
• Avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of fungal diseases and ensure water reaches the root zone.

Fertilization

• Feed with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at planting time and again once the plants reach 6–8 inches tall for continuous, healthy growth.
• Over-fertilization can lead to lush foliage but fewer blooms, so use a moderate amount.

Pruning and Deadheading

• Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage new flower production.
• Remove any damaged or diseased leaves to promote airflow and prevent fungal issues.

Pest and Disease Control

• Pests: While resistant to many pests, keep an eye out for aphids or spider mites. Use organic pest control methods if necessary.
• Diseases: Zinnia Oklahoma Salmon is generally resistant to powdery mildew and other common diseases, but maintaining good air circulation and spacing can further prevent fungal growth.

Harvesting

• Cut Flowers: Harvest blooms when they are fully open, and the petals have reached their peak color. For the best results, cut the flowers early in the morning before the sun is too strong.
• Seeds: Allow the flowers to mature fully before collecting seeds. Once the blooms fade, the seed heads will dry and can be harvested for planting the following season.

Storage

• Fresh Flowers: Zinnias can last up to a week in a vase, provided they are kept in clean water and the stems are re-cut every few days.
• Seeds: After harvesting, store seeds in an airtight container in a cool, dry location to preserve their viability.

Practical Uses

• Garden Displays: Perfect for creating colorful garden borders, containers, or mixed beds.
• Cut Flowers: The long-lasting blooms make Zinnia Oklahoma Salmon a fantastic addition to floral arrangements or bouquets.
• Pollinator-Friendly: These zinnias attract beneficial insects, such as bees and butterflies, adding beauty and biodiversity to your garden.

Conclusion

Zinnia Oklahoma Salmon is an elegant and easy-to-grow variety that brings vibrant, salmon-colored blooms to your garden. With its compact growth habit, resilience to pests and diseases, and long-lasting flowers, it is perfect for gardeners of all skill levels. Whether used in garden beds, containers, or as cut flowers, Zinnia Oklahoma Salmon will add a touch of color and charm to your space.