Like anything else you put time, effort, and hard-earned money into, your garden is an investment. So if you’re looking to add something new to your garden and you can decide between the sophisticated loveliness of Dahlias or the flashy beauty of Zinnias, you’ve come to the right place.Read on for more information about the Dahlia vs. Zinnia and which one is better suited for your garden.
Category
Dahlia
Zinnia
Pros
Annuals, easy to care for, handle any hardiness zone
Annuals, resistant to disease, handle any hardiness zone, early bloomers
Cons
Only bloom in summer
Need pruning
Water requirements
Moist soil
Moist soil but not soggy
Sunlight requirements
Full sun
Full to partial sun
Soil requirements
Good drainage with lots of nutrients
Good drainage
Native area and hardiness zone
Central America and Mexico, ranging from 8-10 or 9-11 hardiness zone
Central America and Mexico, ranging from 10-111 hardiness zone
While both Dahlias and Zinnias are unquestioningly beautiful blossoms, that doesn’t mean they are ideal for every garden. Both possess their own set of pros and cons, and it is essential to know what they are before adding them to the fragile ecosystem that is your verdant sanctuary.
Dahlia Pros
Dahlias can be grown annually in any hardiness zone.
Dahlias are easy to care for and compact.
Dahlias will easily rebloom throughout the summer.
Dahlias will attract butterflies.
Dahlias are perennials as long as they are grown in their ideal hardiness zone.
Dahlia Cons
Some species of the Dahlia are protected under the Plant Patent Act from asexual reproduction.
Dahlias will only bloom throughout summer. Although, some species of Dahlia can bloom as early as late spring.
Zinnia Pros
Zinnias can be grown annually in any hardiness zone.
Zinnias are known to be more resistant to disease.
Zinnias bloom early and rebloom throughout the season.
Zinnias will bloom from late spring to frost.
Zinnias will attract bees.
Zinnia Cons
Zinnias need to be pruned regularly, especially tall varieties.
Depending on the type of species, Dahlias can be grown as annuals in any hardiness zone. However, depending on their species, they can be grown as perennials in hardiness zones ranging from 8-10 or 9-11. So, that means they require a frost-free environment. Hardiness zones 8-10 and 9-11 compromise states and locales from Texas to all of California.
Water Requirements
Dahlias require that their soil is consistently kept moist while growing.
Sunlight Requirements
All species of Dahlias require full sunlight, meaning they need direct sunlight on them throughout the day.
Soil Requirements
Dahlias grow well in enriched, well-drained soil. Their ideal pH level ranges from 6.5-7.0.
What Hardiness Zones Do Zinna’s Grow In?
Zinnias can grow as annuals in any hardiness zones. However, they prefer hardiness zones from 10-11. Hardiness zones 10-11 compromise states and locales of the southern United States, such as central Florida and most of California.
Water Requirements
Zinnias require that their soil is kept moist but never allowed to get soggy.
Sunlight Requirements
Zinnias do well with both full sunlight and partial sunlight. Partial sunlight means they can withstand four to five hours a day without direct sunlight.
Soil Requirements
Zinnias grow well in average, well-drained soil. Their ideal pH level ranges from 5.5-7.5.
Where Are Dahlias Native To?
Dahlias are native to the highlands of Central America and Mexico. Over 200 years ago, Dahlias traveled from their native land to Europe, beginning its spread from their homeland to the rest of the world. The warm climates they are indigenous to are why Dahlias require a frost-free environment if you want to grow them as perennials.
Where Are Zinnias Native To?
Zinnias, like Dahlias, are native to Central America and Mexico. But, thanks to Johann Gottfried Zinn, which the Zinnia is named, the Zinnia began its spread to the rest of the world from its homeland in the 1700s. The warm climates they are indigenous to are why Zinnias are fond of hardiness zones from 10-11 and may not do so well in colder climates especially if frost is forecast.
Dahlia vs. Zinnia: Conclusion
Since both Dahlias and Zinnias can be grown in any hardiness zone as annuals; they can bring a temporary but no less stunning addition to any garden.
All you need is the right amount of patience and time to help them bloom to their fullest. While Dahlia vs. Zinnia have their own strengths and weaknesses, whether or not to incorporate them into your garden depends on which blossom you prefer.
Flowers on taller dahlia varieties are larger than any zinnia flower and can reach over 10 inches wide. Large-flowered dahlias make a showy display when they bloom in summer, and plants may need staking to support their heavy flowers.
Immerse yourself in a vivid summer display with this dazzling planting idea that features Dahlia, Zinnia, Chinese Aster, and Ammi visnaga. Easy to recreate and maintain, this border offers a kaleidoscope of color and texture that will enliven any garden setting from mid-summer to the first frost.
Size: Zinnia Liliput is a smaller variety of zinnia, typically growing to a height of around 30cm.Zinnia Dahlia, on the other hand, is a larger variety, which can grow up to 90cm tall. Flower shape: The flowers of Zinnia Liliput are typically single or semi-double, with a round shape and a central disc.
Like zinnias, common nasturtiums are annuals that grow easily from seed to live a single season. Their mounds of intense red, orange and yellow blooms continue until frost shuts them down.
Dahlia Substitutes: Flowers that resemble the large, multi-petal, magnificent bloom that is the dahlia include zinnias, bahlia mums, or football (pom-pom) mums. These flowers all have a full, spherical, bulbous appearance with numerous tubular petals bunched together, just like the dahlia.
Zinnias prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Zinnias are highly attractive to pollinators, particularly butterflies. Three types of blooms: single, double, and semi-double. Zinnias have a wide range of heights, growth habits and flower colors.
Cattails, flag iris, marsh marigolds, and rush reed plants thrive in soils that stay soggy all year long and make poor companions for dahlias. Plants that prefer drier soils or desert climates also are not a great match with dahlia.
For healthy growth and plenty of air flow to the stems, thin plants to be about 6″ apart and space rows 10-12″ apart. If zinnias are too crowded, they will still grow but the blooms will be much smaller.
Cutting zinnias involves snipping the entire stem, often to create bouquets or arrangements. This method also encourages the plant to produce more blooms, as it removes flowers and stimulates new growth. You honestly can't do it wrong!
Zinnia 'Dahlia Flowered Mix' has fully double, 4-5 inch wide flowers that are shaped like dahlias. This species is native to Mexico, and plants are fast-growing and long-blooming. Zinnias are good cut flowers. In addition, they are excellent for pollinator plantings and are especially attractive to butterflies.
Thin to 12 inches (30 cm) apart in all directions for dwarf varieties. Zinnia varieties that grow more than 24 inches (60) cm) tall require 18 inches (45 cm) between plants. Our Garden Planner can produce a personalized calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.
Salvias, such as the perennial Salvia nemorosa or the annual Salvia farinacea, are attractive companions for zinnias. They share similar requirements for full sun and well-drained soil. Salvias' tall spiky flowers and aromatic foliage add vertical interest and attract pollinators like bees and hummingbirds.
The dried seed heads will bring you finches, sparrows, cardinals, and towhes. First you get the blossoms, and then in winter your garden will bloom again with gold of finches and red of cardinals. Win, win! Birds also love zinnias for their seeds.
Many butterflies are attracted to Zinnias' colorful blooms and will feed on the easy-to-access nectar. What to look for: Butterflies are most drawn to taller Zinnia varieties with a clear yellow center, which is the source of nectar that feeds pollinators like butterflies and bees.
Zinnias are annuals in most areas of the country that have four seasons, including a cold winter. This means they last for one season. If you want zinnias every year, you will have to replant every spring. Zinnias are not cold tolerant, so check your last freeze date for your growing zone.
Zinnia elegans, also known as Zinnia violacea, is the most familiar species, originally from the warm regions of Mexico being a warm–hot climate plant. Its leaves are lance-shaped and sandpapery in texture, and height ranges from 15 cm to 1 meter.
Maintain moderate soil moisture and fertilize lightly to maximize growth and blooms. After the zinnias flower, cut off the old flowers (a process called “deadheading”) to encourage more flowers to form. Zinnias are annuals and will die with the first hard frost of fall.
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