How to Cut Back Zinnias

Brilliantly blooming in almost every color of the rainbow, zinnias are an easy way to add a splash of color to your garden. Plant these annuals where you want them to grow after danger of frost passes and in about two months, they will put on a show. Zinnias range in height from 8 inches to 4 feet, and their single or double flowers vary from 1/2 inch to 5 inches. While they will bloom throughout the growing season, in order to keep them blooming as long as possible, you must cut them back periodically

Garden shears

Instructions

- 1
  Examine your zinnia and decide how far you want to cut it back. Cutting the flower way back will result in a shorter, bushier plant with smaller blooms, while leaving the stems a little longer will result in a taller, leggier plant with larger flowers.
- 2
  Locate a set of leaves closest to the height you desire for the plant.
- 3
  Cut off the stems and dead flowerheads at a point just above that set of leaves, using a diagonal cut. Repeat this step for each stem until the spent flowers are gone and the plant is the desired height.
- 4
  Remove all flowerheads and foliage from the garden area. You can use these for compost, or you can bag and burn them.
- 5
  Examine the plant again and remove any damaged or diseased foliage. Bag or burn it to prevent spreading any infection.

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Growing Annuals