Every hummingbird lover knows that the best way to attract these fluttering friends is with a garden full of colorful blooms. But do hummingbirds like zinnias? The answer might surprise you. Let’s explore this in this blog post.
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What Are Zinnias?
Zinnias are a family of flowering plants that come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. They can range from small bedding plants to large showy flowers over two feet tall. The most common zinnia color is bright yellow but they also come in oranges, reds, and purples.
Zinnias are incredibly beautiful flowers that can be found in many gardens all around the world. They come in a wide array of colors, ranging from shades of pink and yellow to bright oranges, purples, and reds. The blossoms look rather similar to hummingbird vines or butterfly bushes; however, zinnias typically tend to be a bit shorter in comparison to these other flowers.
Zinnia blooms are characterized by their long and slender petals which also contain unique florets within the center. Zinnias have been cultivated since the 1700s when they were first discovered in Mexico – since then they have become one of the most popular garden plants that add both texture and color to the outside environment.
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Do Hummingbirds Like Zinnias?
Yes! hummingbirds love Zinnias. It’s not just their bright colors that draw them in; they also appreciate the sweet nectar and pollen-rich petals. Zinnia flower is relatively easy to grow, thrive in sunny areas, and bloom from spring to fall, making them the perfect plant to attract hummingbirds. Plant several different varieties in your garden and you’ll soon notice an increase in these feathered friends!
Why Do Hummingbirds Like Zinnias Blooms?
The short answer is simple: nectar! Zinnias produce an abundance of sweet nectar that hummingbirds love. That’s all they need to know when they see these vibrant blooms in your garden. If you have enough zinnias planted, you may even find that your yard becomes home to several different species of hummingbirds at once!
But there’s more to this story than just nectar. Hummingbirds are also attracted to bright colors and zinnias come in a variety of hues, from red and orange to pink and purple. These colors draw in the birds and help make your garden stand out among other yards in the neighborhood.
How To Plant Zinnias To Attract Hummingbirds?
If you want to attract hummingbirds, the first step is planting plenty of zinnias!
Be sure to deadhead (remove spent flowers) as needed during bloom time and give your plants an occasional drink of water if rain is scarce. This will help keep them looking their best and ensure that there are plenty of fresh blooms for those beautiful birds all season long.
Before you can enjoy them, you have to know how to plant them! If you’re new to gardening or just looking for an easy flower bed project, zinnias are a great way to get started. Read on for a step-by-step guide on planting zinnia gardens.
Preparing Your Garden Bed
First things first: make sure your soil is in good condition. Zinnias need well-drained soil and full sun with plenty of organic matter incorporated into it. You can either purchase pre-made potting soil from your local nursery or create your own by mixing equal parts compost, peat moss, and sand. Make sure the pH level of your soil is around 6.0–7.0 before planting your zinnias; if it isn’t, you can add lime or sulfur to adjust the pH level.
Planting Your Seeds
Once you’ve prepared your soil, it’s time to start planting! Plant each seed about ½ inch deep directly into the ground (or container) and space them out at least 12 inches apart—zinnias need room to grow! Cover the seeds with soil and pat down gently with your hand; be careful not to press too hard or you may end up crushing the seeds. Water lightly after sowing and keep moist until germination (which usually takes around 7–14 days).
Caring For Your Zinnias
Once your plants are established, they should be relatively low maintenance—all they need is regular watering and occasional deadheading (i.e., removing spent flowers) to keep them looking their best. If you notice any wilting or discoloration in your plants, check that they aren’t getting too much sun or water—too much of either can damage zinnia plants easily! Additionally, make sure to fertilize every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer (such as 10-10-10) in order to ensure healthy growth throughout the season.
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Benefits Of Planting Zinnias
In addition to attracting hummingbirds, zinnias offer a variety of other benefits. For one, they are extremely versatile and come in almost limitless colors and sizes—from small dwarf varieties to towering giants. Here are some other benefits too.
Easy Maintenance
Zinnias are low-maintenance flowers. Once planted, they require little more than occasional watering and deadheading (snipping off the spent blooms). As long as the soil is well drained and not overly moist, zinnias generally do not need fertilizing or additional pesticides. This makes them ideal for both large gardens and smaller container gardens that may not have adequate drainage or space for large plants. Also, they grow quickly so you don’t need to wait too long to start enjoying their beautiful blooms!
Drought Tolerant
In addition to being low maintenance, zinnias are also drought tolerant. This makes them perfect for areas with hot summers or limited water supply. When planting zinnias in these areas, it’s important to make sure the soil is well drained so the roots stay cool and moist even during dry spells. With some extra care when it comes to watering, zinnias can thrive even in drier climates or frequent droughts!
Colorful Blooms
The most obvious benefit of planting zinnias is their vibrant colors. Zinnia plants come in a variety of shades including reds, yellows, oranges, pinks, and purples as well as bi-colors like pink/white and yellow/orange blends. Planting a mix of different colors allows you to create stunning arrangements that will brighten up any outdoor space! In addition to adding color to your garden or landscape, they also attract hummingbirds and butterflies which can help your garden become even more vibrant!
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Wrap Up
Zinnias are an easy and beautiful flower to grow, while also providing you with a plethora of benefits. Not only are they great for hummingbird attraction, but they provide plenty of color and fragrance as well as beautiful cut flowers. Plus, zinnias can be grown in almost any garden soil with minimal care required. So why not make your own hummingbird garden? Hopefully, this article has served its purpose well.
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