Zenias too tall!

[Smiles Jr.]

For the past three years I have been planting Zenias in a flower bed in front of our porch. I select seed packets that say the plants will be 10 to 12 inches tall. Every year they grow to 24 inches tall or more. They are beautiful but sometime in August they fall over because they are so top-heavy. Are there any Zenias that stay short?

 

[so lucky]

Hey, Smiles Jr! I was wondering if you were OK. So good to see you. I like Dreamland Zinnias. I think they get about 18 inches tall, but they are bushy. They are a hybrid (I think), so seed is pretty expensive, but I think they are worth it, for a dependable bright blooming plant.
A different idea would be to stick in small tomato cages when the plants are small. They will cover the cages, but be supported by them.
Also, the larger seed companies may be more dependable in their description of the plant. I have had problems with results with some discount seeds/unknown company names.

 

[catjac1975]

Try cutting back a few to see if the report shorter.

 

[Ridgerunner]

I haven't grown any that don't get tall and lanky. I did an internet search on "dwarf zinnias" and got some hits but haven't grown them so I don't know how they actually grow or look.

Have you considered dwarf marigolds? You have to watch the variety but I typically grow dwarf French marigolds that don't get all that tall. They provide a lot of bright color, mainly yellow and orange, often with some patterns. I haven't measured them but I doubt they get over a foot tall. This is an old photo from Arkansas but might give you an idea. I haven't saved any seeds yet but if you want I could send you some later for next year.

 

[Beekissed]

Dwarf zinnias stay small....have a few growing this year. The semi-dwarf have gotten taller than they said and the regular zinnias can get 6+ ft. here. That's one reason I love zinnias....so easy to grow, even for someone with a black thumb like mine.

 

[Carol Dee]

@Smiles Jr. the Zinnias are lovely even if too tall/ Try running a string along each side for support maybe. Glad to see you post ) You where missed.

 

[digitS']

zinnia, noun

zin·nia | \ ˈzi-nē-ə , ˈzē-; ˈzi-nyə
Definition of zinnia, Merriam Webster Dictionary

Three ways to pronounce it!? Hi Smiles!!

Steve

 

[Smiles Jr.]

Thanks guys, I appreciate the replies.
I'm not really a flowers kind of person and I never know what I'm planting. Here on the farm we're more into soy beans and field corn with an acre veggie garden. But I do like to plant flowers in the spring once in a while.

 

[baymule]

It's good to see you here, been missing you. They may be too tall, but your zinnias are pretty!

 

[ninnymary]

My zinnias are 4 ft. tall. Next year I'm going to have to plant them somewhere else. They are pretty and I started them from seed so I'm very proud, haha.

Mary