Zinnias are one of my favorite flowers to plant because of their pretty, bright colors and they are super easy to grow and very low maintenance. They are an old fashioned flower that grows to about two feet tall and does well in flower beds. We plant them along the driveway and around the bird bath. You can buy the flowers at most garden shops, but I’ve always had better luck planting the seeds. You can purchase the seed packets at most stores that sell other flower and vegetable seeds. Depending on the size of your flower bed, you will probably want to purchase several packets.

Just loosen the dirt in the desired area after any danger of frost, spread the seed, then lightly cover them with dirt. You don’t have to plant them deep, just a light layer of soil sprinkled over the seed. You can use a rake or your hand to cover them. Water them as needed. Once they are established and sturdy, maybe water them every other day during the summer months.

The butterflies love these flowers as well as the Gold Finches and you may also spy a hummingbird enjoying the petals. Although they say no plant is completely deer resistant, the deer never bother these flowers, which is another plus. They also make beautiful bouquets.

At the end of the season (early fall) once the flower blossoms have turned brown and dried up, clip the tops off and store them in a paper bag and save them. These will be the seeds you plant next spring. Just make sure they are completely dead and dried out when you store them and don’t keep them in a plastic container. They will get moldy and you won’t be able to plant them the next season.

Happy planting! Hope you enjoy these cheerful flowers as much as I do!