Zinnias are beautiful and colorful flowers that bloom throughout the summer. They are also incredibly easy to grow, making them a popular choice among gardeners. However, to get the most out of your zinnia plants, it’s important to know how to properly pollinate them. In this article, we will discuss the different methods of pollinating zinnias and provide tips on how to increase your yield.
Pollination is the process by which pollen from the male flower parts (anthers) is transferred to the female flower parts (stigma) of a plant. This process is essential for the production of seeds and fruits. Without proper pollination, zinnia plants may produce fewer flowers and smaller blooms.
In nature, zinnias are pollinated by bees, butterflies, and other insects. If you have a garden with a diversity of plants, chances are good that pollinators will visit and pollinate your zinnias. However, if you do not have many pollinators in your area or want to ensure that every flower is pollinated, you can try some of the following methods.
Hand pollination involves manually transferring pollen from the anthers to the stigma using a small brush or cotton swab. To do this, wait until the flowers are fully open and the anthers are covered in pollen. Gently touch the brush or swab to the anthers to collect some pollen, then transfer it to the stigma of another flower. Repeat this process for each flower you want to pollinate.
Bagging involves covering a flower with a small bag or piece of netting to prevent it from being pollinated by insects. You can then manually transfer pollen to the stigma of the covered flower using one of the methods mentioned above. This is a good option if you want to control which flowers are pollinated or if you want to save seeds from a particular plant.
Plant in Full Sun: Zinnias love full sun and will produce more flowers if they get at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.
Fertilize Regularly: Zinnias are heavy feeders and require regular fertilization to produce big, beautiful blooms. Use a balanced fertilizer every two to three weeks during the growing season.
Deadhead Regularly: Removing spent blooms will encourage your zinnia plants to produce more flowers. Use sharp scissors or pruning shears to cut the stem just above the first set of leaves.
Water Consistently: Zinnias prefer consistent moisture, so make sure to water them regularly. Avoid getting water on the leaves, as this can lead to fungal diseases.
If your zinnias have been successfully pollinated, you should see a small swelling at the base of the flower where it meets the stem. This swelling will eventually develop into a seed pod.
Yes! Zinnias are easy to grow from seed, and saving seeds from your own plants is a great way to ensure that you have the colors and varieties you want. Wait until the seed pods turn brown and dry before harvesting them. Store the seeds in a cool, dry place until you’re ready to plant them next year.
Zinnias typically bloom from mid-summer until the first frost. Deadheading regularly will encourage them to produce more blooms throughout the season.
In conclusion, pollinating zinnia plants is a simple process that can significantly increase your yield. By using one of the methods mentioned above and following the tips for increasing your zinnia yield, you’ll be able to enjoy a beautiful and bountiful garden all season long.