Zinnia Zinnia elegans Scabiosa Flowered Mix Seeds for planting pollinator garden home garden

Scabiosa Flowered Zinnias are a distinctive and charming variety, known for their unique flower shape and stunning mix of colors. These blooms feature frilly, scabiosa-like petals that resemble a soft pincushion, with an intricate central tuft of tiny florets. The Scabiosa Flowered Mix provides a colorful display of vibrant shades including pink, red, orange, and yellow, perfect for adding texture and elegance to any garden or floral arrangement.

Key Benefits

• Unique Flower Shape: Features frilly, pincushion-like blooms that stand out in any garden.
• Vibrant Color Mix: A mix of bright pink, red, orange, and yellow, offering diverse color for various garden themes.
• Long Blooming Period: Flowers appear from mid-summer to fall, adding color and interest throughout the season.
• Heat Tolerant: Thrives in full sun and hot climates, making it an excellent summer flower.
• Low Maintenance: Perfect for gardeners of all levels, requiring minimal care to produce a beautiful display.

Variety Features

• Plant Characteristics: Bushy plants with upright growth and strong stems.
• Flower Size: 2–3 inches in diameter, with frilly, scabiosa-like petals.
• Growth Habit: Compact, well-branched plants that produce numerous blooms.
• Height: Grows 18–24 inches tall, making it ideal for borders or containers.

Planting Instructions

Planting Season

• When to Plant: Start indoors 4–6 weeks before the last frost date, or directly sow outdoors after frost danger has passed.
• Temperature Range: Best germination occurs at 70°F–80°F (21°C–27°C).

Planting Details

• Seed Depth: Plant seeds 1/4 inch deep.
• Spacing: Space plants 8–12 inches apart to allow for growth and air circulation.
• Soil Requirements: Prefers well-draining, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0–7.5.
• Sunlight: Requires full sun for best performance and abundant blooms.

Care Instructions

Watering

• Keep soil moderately moist. Water at the base of the plants, avoiding overhead watering to reduce the risk of fungal diseases.

Fertilization

• Apply a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer every 4–6 weeks to encourage strong growth and blooming.

Deadheading

• Regularly remove spent blooms to encourage more flowers and maintain a tidy appearance.

Pest and Disease Control

• Pests: Watch for aphids and other insects. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control pests.
• Diseases: Prevent fungal issues by ensuring good air circulation and avoiding water on the foliage.

Harvesting

• Cut Flowers: Harvest when flowers are fully open but not yet fading. Use sharp scissors or garden shears to cut stems.
• Seed Collection: Allow the flowers to mature and dry on the plant. Collect seeds for future planting once fully dried.

Storage

• Fresh Flowers: Store cut flowers in water and change the water regularly to extend vase life.
• Seeds: Dry seeds thoroughly before storing them in a cool, dry place for future planting.

Practical Uses

• Garden Borders: Adds texture and color along garden edges or flower beds.
• Container Gardens: Ideal for pots, hanging baskets, and window boxes.
• Cut Flowers: Excellent for fresh floral arrangements and bouquets.
• Pollinator Gardens: Attracts bees and butterflies, supporting local pollinator populations.

Conclusion

Scabiosa Flowered Zinnias offer a unique twist on the traditional zinnia, with their frilly, pincushion-like blooms in a beautiful mix of colors. Perfect for gardens, containers, and floral arrangements, these zinnias provide long-lasting color and texture throughout the summer and fall. Whether used for cut flowers or as part of a pollinator-friendly garden, the Scabiosa Flowered Mix is a fantastic addition to any gardener's collection.