Zinnia Profusion Apricot is a popular annual flower, known for its cheerful and abundant blooms. This specific zinnia cultivar features lovely apricot-colored flowers, bringing a warm glow to garden spaces. Its consistent blooming and ease of cultivation make it a favored choice for many gardeners.
Characteristics of Zinnia Profusion Apricot
The Zinnia Profusion Apricot distinguishes itself with its unique bloom color, often described as light coral or creamy orange petals surrounding a terracotta or orange center. These flowers typically measure about 2 inches in diameter. The plant exhibits a compact, bushy growth habit, usually reaching 14 to 18 inches tall and spreading 18 to 24 inches wide.
A key advantage of the Profusion series is its exceptional resistance to powdery mildew, heat, humidity, and drought. This resilience allows for continuous blooming from late spring until the first frost. Its dense, bushy nature effectively fills garden spaces.
Planting and Care for Zinnia Profusion Apricot
Site Selection and Soil Preparation
Zinnia Profusion Apricot thrives in full sunlight, requiring at least six to eight hours of direct sun daily. Choose well-draining soil rich in organic matter for optimal root development.
A soil pH between 5.8 and 6.2 is suitable. Incorporating compost or other organic amendments before planting improves drainage and nutrient availability, ensuring a healthy start.
Watering Needs
Consistent moisture is important for Zinnia Profusion Apricot, especially during dry periods. However, prevent overwatering, as excessively wet soil can lead to root issues. Water at the base of the plant rather than overhead to minimize foliage moisture and reduce fungal disease risk.
Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings to prevent stem rot. While the Profusion series is drought tolerant, regular watering supports optimal blooming. Container-grown plants may require more frequent watering than those in garden beds due to faster drying.
Fertilization
Zinnia Profusion Apricot plants are not heavy feeders, so extensive fertilization is often unnecessary. If soil is amended with organic matter, additional feeding might not be required. For less fertile soils, a light application of a balanced granular fertilizer or compost provides sufficient nutrients.
Weekly applications of a balanced calcium nitrate-based fertilizer (200-250 ppm nitrogen) are recommended by some growers. A small amount of boron (0.25 ppm) with each watering can prevent deficiencies. Over-fertilization, especially with high nitrogen, promotes leafy growth at the expense of flower production.
Spacing and Air Circulation
Proper spacing between plants is important for health and disease prevention. For Zinnia Profusion Apricot, a spacing of 14 to 16 inches apart is recommended, though 8 to 12 inches is also suggested. In warmer climates, spacing plants 20 to 30 inches apart can be beneficial.
Adequate air circulation around the foliage keeps plants dry and reduces fungal problems, even with this series’ disease resistance. This spacing allows each plant to develop its full, bushy form without overcrowding.
Maintenance
Zinnia Profusion Apricot is a low-maintenance plant. While deadheading (removal of spent flowers) is not strictly necessary for continuous blooming, it can improve appearance. These hybrids are bred to produce new blooms without constant deadheading.
If you choose to deadhead, cut just below the spent flower head, above a set of healthy leaves. Removing any yellowing or damaged leaves also helps keep plants looking their best.
Common Challenges and Solutions
While Zinnia Profusion Apricot is resilient, common garden pests like aphids or spider mites can sometimes appear. A strong spray of water can dislodge many pests, and insecticidal soaps can be used for persistent infestations.
The Profusion series exhibits excellent resistance to powdery mildew and other foliage diseases. However, in extreme humidity or poor air circulation, issues could arise. Maintaining proper plant spacing and watering techniques helps prevent these problems.
If Zinnia Profusion Apricot plants produce fewer blooms than expected, it could be due to insufficient sunlight. These plants require full sun for optimal flowering. Another cause is over-fertilization with nitrogen, which leads to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flower development. Adjusting light exposure or fertilizer application can encourage more blooms.
Using Zinnia Profusion Apricot in Your Garden
Zinnia Profusion Apricot is a versatile annual that enhances various garden settings. Its compact, mounding habit makes it suitable for mass plantings, creating a block of warm color in beds and borders. It also functions well as an edging plant, defining pathways or the front of flower beds.
These zinnias are an excellent choice for container gardening, including pots and hanging baskets, where their continuous blooms can be enjoyed up close. The flowers are suitable for cutting and adding to fresh bouquets; the more you cut, the more flowers the plant may produce.
Beyond their aesthetic appeal, Zinnia Profusion Apricot plants attract pollinators like butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds, contributing to a vibrant garden ecosystem. Incorporating them supports local pollinator populations.