I had read (or maybe heard somewhere) that zinnias don’t like to have their roots disturbed once they’re established, so I’ve always been nervous about moving them once they’re blooming.
But I had the perfect reason to experiment with this so here’s what happened:
We used to have an in-ground trampoline when our kids were little, and well… manure happens around here, and we needed a lot of fill for this hole.
The trampoline hole has slowly been filling with compost from the chicken coop and horse barn.
I tossed in some zinnia seeds that I had saved from last summer’s butterfly patch, not really expecting them to grow.
But they did!
Member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program
FARM DUST AND PAINT is reader-supported. When you click and purchase through links or images on this page, I may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. Learn More.
The problem?
I didn’t want them growing in the “manure hole,” since we just ride the lawn mower over it.
So, I decided to see if I could transplant them.
By the time I moved them, they were about two to three feet tall, some already blooming and some just about to.
I moved them early in the morning before the sun got hot, watered them really well, and gave them a little plant food.
I also made sure to dig them up in with a big clump of soil so I didn't stress the root system.
Luckily, we had also had a cloudy stretch of weather that week, so even though zinnias love the heat, they got a little stress relief for the transplant.
I only lost about three plants.
The rest perked up beautifully within a few days.
Some leaned at first, but I staked them with a garden stake and zip tie until they were strong again.
So, from my experiment: You can transplant mature zinnias, just be gentleand dig up a big root ball, move them in the cool of the morning, water them well, and givethe stem support if needed.
Below is an image of how my transplanted zinnia patch is blooming.
Zinnia Varieties I Grew This Season
-
Benary’s Giant – Big, bold, and showy. Perfect for cutting and butterflies adore them.
Tetra – Lovely petal structure, sturdy plants, and great for fall bouquets.
-
Ballerina – Soft, whimsical blooms with a playful vibe. I was so excited when these bloomed so I could view them in person.
-
Oklahoma – Smaller but prolific blooms that are perfect for mixing into arrangements.
-
Forecast – Adorable little colorful blooms perfect for bouquet fillers.
-
Queeny – Unique colors like antique rose, lime, and blush, a little more “fancy” and special.
A Few Quick Things I Learned Growing Zinnias
Be gentle with seedlings.
If starting indoors, don’t plant too early they get leggy reaching for the light, so you’ll need to pot them up to keep the stem strong.
Skip DIY newspaper pots.
I tried them and none survived after transplanting. Why? I have no idea, maybe they didn't get enough nutrients to the roots in the soil because the paper pot blocked it.
Bonus Lesson:
Rabbits LOVE zinnias those little suckers!
Next year, I’ll be fencing in the garden, so more flowers survive.
Zinnias are resilient, forgiving, and so rewarding to grow.
This summer taught me that a little experimentation, careful attention, and succession planting can make your garden colorful, cheerful, and full of life even if the rabbits try to eat everything!
Don't forget to follow us on Instagram @farmdustandpaint.
XOXO
Emily
Just a quick reminder:
Farm Dust and Paint is reader-supported.
If you plan to shop on Amazon today, consider using one of my links.
I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase within 24 hours, at no extra cost to you.
Thanks for supporting this little blog!