Taking Care of and Growing Creeping Zinnia Despite having the same popular name as real zinnias, creeping zinnia (Sanvitalia procumbens) actually comes from a distinct plant genus (Zinnia spp.). Its name comes from the fact that the oval, pointed leaves strongly resemble those of zinnias. It is also similar to zinnia in another respect: It has a protracted blooming time and beautiful blooms with the same daisy-like form as all Asteraceae species. An upbeat annual with a spreading habit and a little 6-inch height, creeping zinnia is perfect for use as groundcover or as trailer plants in pots. The little yellow blossoms, which have been likened to sunflowers while being a smaller version, steal the show despite the lovely green foliage, which is distinctive in and of itself. Creeping zinnias are real annuals that die at the end of the growing season, but they are worthwhile to replant every year because of their profusion of blossoms and carefree character. Mexican creeping zinnia, creeping zinnia, common names Sanvitalia procumbens, a plant Sanvitalia procumbens, Asteraceae, botanical name Size at maturity: 4-6 inches tall and 12–18 inches broad Sun Exposure: Full to Part Sun Well-drained soil with an acidic to barely alkaline pH of (5.5-7.5) Summer Flower Color Yellow, orange Bloom Time Zones of Hardiness 2–11 (true annual, grown in all USDA zones) Originally from Central America (Mexico, Guatemala) Care for Creeping Zinnia If given enough water, creeping zinnias are very simple plants to grow in full sun or light shade in relatively rich soil. It does well in summertime settings and is resilient to extreme heat and humidity. While requiring regular irrigation, creeping zinnia cannot survive wet weather. After the soil has completely warmed and the nighttime temperature is consistently over 50 degrees Fahrenheit in the spring, creeping zinnia is often planted from potted nursery plants. Completely loosen the soil, and if required, add organic additives like peat moss or compost. Plant with the top of the root ball level with the surrounding soil. Since creeping zinnias may respond poorly to transplanting, many individuals, however, choose to direct sow seeds in the exact places where they want plants to grow. In the spring, as soon as the ground can be worked, direct-sown seeds are often planted. Sunlight Although creeping zinnia may thrive in full sun or light shade, direct sunlight for six to eight hours a day is necessary for it to blossom to its most capacity. These plants will normally do well in locations that only get four to six hours of light, but they won't produce the same profusion of blossoms. Soil These plants may grow in a variety of soil types, from poor to moderately fertile, humus-rich environments. However, good soil drainage is necessary for creeping zinnia. Otherwise, its roots can become wet and decay. Water Although creeping zinnia adores the heat and can endure dry spells, this does not mean that it won't need frequent watering. Although it's necessary to prevent waterlogging, the plant enjoys continuously medium-moist soil conditions. For this reason, if cultivated in a container during periods of dry weather, you may need to water these plants once or twice daily. Aim for slightly aerated, wet soil that dries out between waterings but doesn't get too dry and crumbly. Thermodynamics and Humidity Creeping Zinnia will thrive in warm climates with heavy humidity. These plants, which are indigenous to Mexico and Guatemala in Central America, flourish as the temperature rises and do not wilt in hot weather. But if the average nighttime temperature falls below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, they only have a modest tolerance for chilly weather and will start to deteriorate and eventually die. Fertilizer Provide a healthy, prolifically flowering plant with at least moderately rich soil. Although creeping zinnia doesn't have particularly specific or large nutritional requirements, you may need to apply organic or a balanced conventional fertilizer if you grow it in less-than-ideal soil. To boost the general development and health of the plant, creeping zinnia grown in pots or containers often benefit from a slow-release fertilizer or a periodic application of liquid fertilizer. Creeping Zinnia species There are more than a dozen identified cultivars of creeping zinnia, most of which have been developed to show minor variations in bloom size, color, or form. Take into account these suggestions: Semi-double blooms of the orange and yellow "Sprite" variety with dark brown centers. Plants stand between 10 and 12 inches tall. A prolific blooming, "Gold Braid" produces golden-yellow blooms with dark brown centers. Flowers on the plant 'Irish Eyes' are orange-yellow with green centers. Plants stand just six inches tall. 'Mandarin Orange' has double, deep, rich orange blooms with dark brown center disks that resemble little sunflowers. Pruning To keep the plants looking tidy and to encourage continuing flowering, deadhead the spent blooms on a regular basis. To keep the plants neatly packed, you may trim back stems that grow too long. Developing Creeping Zinnia The rootball may be divided into distinct portions for replanting, stem clippings can be taken to root in a growth medium, or seeds can be harvested from the flower heads. Since the plant dislikes being transferred, it is often grown in commercial settings using seeds. But in order to grow new plants inside throughout the winter and preserve beloved species, home gardeners often adopt the stem-cutting approach. This is how you do it: Use sharp pruners to take 6- to 8-inch stem cuttings from healthy, vigorously developing plants as the temperature starts to chill in the autumn. In addition to removing the leaves from the bottom 2 inches of each cutting, remove any blooms and blossom buds. Plant the cutting in a 4-inch container filled with seed-starter mix or regular potting soil after dipping the cut end in rooting hormone. The pot should be placed in a spot with strong, indirect light inside a transparent plastic bag that is loosely closed. Check the pot every few days, and if the potting soil starts to dry up, softly water it. Every week or so, carefully pull on the stem to check for the emergence of roots. When you start to encounter resistance, the cutting has established roots. Remove the pot from the plastic covering after a substantial network of roots has grown, and continue to cultivate it in a warm, sunny area. Up until spring, the plant may continue to develop inside. Once the overnight lows are consistently above 50 degrees Fahrenheit, plant it outside. Creeping Zinnia Seed Growing Instructions It's simple to start creeping zinnia from seed, but keep in mind that these plants don't usually take well to being moved. Instead of starting seeds in starter trays, think about direct seeding them where you want to develop them for the greatest outcomes. Despite the tiny size of the flower heads, collecting the seeds from individual wasted flowers may be a rather simple process. They may be sown in the spring and store well during the winter. Don't bury these seeds since they need sunshine to develop. Instead, spread them out on the ground. As an alternative, softly tamper with the soil's surface or loosely cover the plants with peat moss. For the seeds to germinate, water them often and maintain the soil's moisture. For precise planting and care instructions, it is usually better to read the seed packaging guidelines. About 10 weeks after the seeds are sowed, the plants will blossom. Many gardeners who want their gardens to blossom as soon as possible choose to start them inside two to three weeks before the anticipated last frost date. Reseeding and Potting invasive zinnia Creeping zinnia is a fantastic choice for container cultivation due to its modest growth rate and profusion of blossoms. All summer long, these plants will cover the container, window box, or other planter with tiny, lovely blossoms. Remember that these plants need appropriate drainage if you want to grow them effectively in pots. To prevent the roots from becoming too wet, choose an excellent loose and light potting mix. Plants planted in containers often need more fertilizer than plants grown in gardens, mostly because regular watering rapidly removes nutrients from the potting soil. For creeping zinnias planted in pots, you may need to supply more fertilizer. If your plants are not flowering as profusely as you would like, time-released or granular fertilizer pellets or a balanced liquid solution will often provide the push they need. Overwintering At the conclusion of the growing season, these frost-sensitive plants are often merely pulled out and thrown away. Birds will show up to pick at the dried blooms for their edible seeds if they are left in situ, however. Typical Pests & Plant Illnesses There are no significant illnesses or pests to be concerned about with these hardy tiny plants. However, like nearly any other garden plant, creeping zinnia may sometimes have powdery mildew or small fungal leaf spots. By watering carefully at ground level rather than from above, you may reduce these issues. How to Induce Blooming in Creeping Zinnia To get beautiful blooms from creeping zinnias, make sure they have enough of water and sunlight—this is often all they need. Typically, these plants will bloom profusely from the start of the summer until the onset of the chilly autumn weather. In addition Deadheading wasted flowers on a regular basis helps encourage new blooms. Cut down long, lanky stems to encourage denser growth and more blooms. Creeping zinnias grown in containers could benefit from additional feeding. However, excessive fertilizer usually results in long, lanky branches that don't produce as many blooms in garden plants that are already growing in adequately nutritious soil. Typical Issues with Creeping Zinnia Despite being mostly trouble-free, creeping zinnias may worry gardeners due to these signs: Seedlings perish as soon as they are planted. The roots of creeping zinnias should not be disturbed while transplanting them, even from potted nursery starts. Treating these plants delicately will help them survive transplanting into the garden since they often dislike being relocated. To get around this issue, some gardeners choose to direct-sow the seeds in the precise spots where they want the plants to develop. Plants are now scarce Creeping zinnias may produce long, lanky stems that are mostly barren except for the tips when grown in good soil or when fed a lot of fertilizer. In order to encourage new growth and make the plant fuller and bushier, these lanky stems may be forcefully pruned down to the plant's base. FAQ What are the best ways to employ creeping zinnia in a landscape? In sunny border gardens, as well as in sunny rock gardens, creeping zinnias are often utilized as foreground bedding or edging plants. When they are spread out across vast, sunny regions, they may provide a vibrant seasonal ground cover. They work well in big mixed patio/deck container gardens as well as window boxes, hanging baskets, and hanging gardens. In the garden, do creeping zinnias self-seed? Yes, the small seeds often fall into the ground and take root if the flower heads are left on the plant. It is preferable to leave these volunteers alone so they can colonize since they are difficult to dig up and relocate. If you leave some flower heads in situ to release seed and generate volunteers the following spring, a tiny patch of creeping zinnias may be self-sustaining from year to year. Exist any common zinnias with this creeping, trailing behavior? Although some are fairly small, upright plants are the norm for regular zinnias. Try one of the cultivars of Zinnia augustifolea instead for a trailing habit that is comparable to that of the creeping zinnia (spreading zinnia). They will grow in a manner similar to creeping zinnias, but they give a far greater variety of bloom hues.