What Not to Plant with Zinnias: A Guide for Gardeners

Zinnias are a popular summer flower, but there are some plants that you should avoid planting near them. These plants can compete with zinnias for water, nutrients, and sunlight, and they can also spread diseases. In this article, we will discuss what not to plant with zinnias, and we will also provide some tips for growing healthy zinnias.

Zinnias are a relatively easy flower to grow, but they do best in full sun and well-drained soil. They are also drought-tolerant, so you don’t need to worry about watering them too often. However, zinnias can be susceptible to a variety of diseases, including powdery mildew, rust, and botrytis. Planting them near the wrong plants can increase the risk of these diseases.

So, what plants should you avoid planting near zinnias? Here are a few to keep in mind:

• Marigolds: Marigolds are a popular companion plant for zinnias, but they can actually compete with them for water and nutrients.
• Tomatoes: Tomatoes are another popular companion plant for zinnias, but they can spread a disease called verticillium wilt to zinnias.
• Cucumbers: Cucumbers can also spread verticillium wilt to zinnias.
• Peppers: Peppers can attract aphids, which can then spread diseases to zinnias.
• Eggplants: Eggplants can attract aphids, which can then spread diseases to zinnias.

By avoiding these plants, you can help to protect your zinnias from diseases and pests. You can also improve the health of your zinnias by following these tips:

• Plant zinnias in full sun.
• Water zinnias regularly, but don’t overwater them.
• Fertilize zinnias regularly with a balanced fertilizer.
• Prune zinnias regularly to remove dead or diseased leaves.
• Inspect zinnias regularly for pests and diseases.

By following these tips, you can grow healthy, beautiful zinnias that will add color and life to your garden.

| What Not To Plant With Zinnias | Reason |
| —— | —— |
| Tomatoes | Tomatoes and zinnias compete for the same nutrients, so planting them together can stunt the growth of both plants. |
| Cucumbers | Cucumbers and zinnias both attract pests, so planting them together can make it more difficult to control pests. |
| Beans | Beans and zinnias both need a lot of water, so planting them together can lead to both plants competing for water and becoming stressed. |

Zinnias are beautiful, colorful flowers that are easy to grow. They are a popular choice for gardens, flower beds, and containers. However, there are some plants that you should not plant with zinnias. These plants can compete with zinnias for water, nutrients, and sunlight, or they can attract pests and diseases.

In this article, we will discuss what not to plant with zinnias. We will cover plants that compete with zinnias, plants that attract pests and diseases, and plants that are toxic to zinnias. We will also provide tips on how to avoid problems when planting zinnias with other plants.

Plants That Compete With Zinnias

There are a few types of plants that should not be planted with zinnias because they compete with zinnias for resources. These plants include:

• Plants that grow taller than zinnias will shade them out and prevent them from getting enough sunlight.
• Plants that have shallow roots will compete with zinnias for water and nutrients.
• Plants that are susceptible to the same pests and diseases as zinnias can spread these problems to your zinnias.

Plants That Attract Pests and Diseases

Some plants attract pests and diseases that can also harm zinnias. These plants include:

• Marigolds attract aphids, which can also feed on zinnias.
• Cosmos attract spider mites, which can also infest zinnias.
• Petunias attract whiteflies, which can also feed on zinnias.

Plants That Are Toxic to Zinnias

There are a few plants that are toxic to zinnias. These plants include:

• Delphiniums contain a toxin called delphinine, which can be harmful to zinnias if ingested.
• Foxglove contains a toxin called digitalis, which can be harmful to zinnias if ingested.
• Morning glories contain a toxin called quinolizidine alkaloids, which can be harmful to zinnias if ingested.

Tips for Avoiding Problems When Planting Zinnias with Other Plants

To avoid problems when planting zinnias with other plants, follow these tips:

• Choose plants that are compatible with zinnias in terms of their growth habit, root depth, and susceptibility to pests and diseases.
• Plant zinnias in a location where they will receive full sun.
• Water zinnias regularly, especially during dry spells.
• Fertilize zinnias monthly with a balanced fertilizer.
• Monitor your zinnias for signs of pests and diseases, and treat them as needed.

By following these tips, you can help ensure that your zinnias thrive and produce beautiful blooms.

Zinnias are beautiful flowers that are easy to grow. However, there are some plants that you should not plant with zinnias. These plants can compete with zinnias for water, nutrients, and sunlight, or they can attract pests and diseases. By following the tips in this article, you can help avoid problems when planting zinnias with other plants.

Here is a table summarizing the plants that you should not plant with zinnias:

| Plant | Reason |
|—|—|
| Plants that grow taller than zinnias | Will shade out zinnias and prevent them from getting enough sunlight. |
| Plants that have shallow roots | Will compete with zinnias for water and nutrients. |
| Plants that are susceptible to the same pests and diseases as zinnias | Can spread these problems to your zinnias. |
| Plants that attract pests and diseases | Can attract pests and diseases that can also harm zinnias. |
| Plants that are toxic to zinnias | Can be harmful to zinnias if ingested. |

3. Plants That Can Cause Wilting

Some plants produce chemicals that can inhibit the growth of other plants. This can lead to wilting, stunted growth, or even death. When planting zinnias, it is important to avoid planting them near plants that produce these chemicals.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes produce a chemical called “abscisic acid” that can cause zinnias to wilt. Abscisic acid is a natural plant hormone that helps to regulate growth and development. In tomatoes, it is produced in response to stress, such as drought or heat. When tomatoes are stressed, they produce more abscisic acid, which can then leach into the soil and affect nearby plants.

Potatoes

Potatoes produce a chemical called “solanine” that can also cause zinnias to wilt. Solanine is a glycoalkaloid that is produced in the leaves, stems, and roots of potatoes. It is a natural defense mechanism against pests and diseases. When potatoes are damaged, they release solanine into the air. This solanine can then be absorbed by nearby plants, such as zinnias, and cause them to wilt.

Other Plants That Can Cause Wilting

In addition to tomatoes and potatoes, there are a number of other plants that can cause zinnias to wilt. These include:

• eggplant
• peppers
• eggplant
• cucumbers
• melons
• squash

If you are unsure whether a particular plant will cause zinnias to wilt, it is best to err on the side of caution and avoid planting them together.

4. Plants That Can Cause Root Rot

Some plants produce chemicals that can damage the roots of other plants. This can lead to root rot, which is a serious fungal disease that can kill zinnias. When planting zinnias, it is important to avoid planting them near plants that produce these chemicals.

Mint

Mint produces a chemical called “menthol” that can damage the roots of zinnias. Menthol is a natural insect repellent that is produced in the leaves of mint plants. When mint is stressed, it produces more menthol, which can then leach into the soil and affect nearby plants.

Cabbage

Cabbage produces a chemical called “glucosinolate” that can also damage the roots of zinnias. Glucosinolates are natural defense mechanisms against pests and diseases. When cabbage is damaged, it releases glucosinolates into the air. These glucosinolates can then be absorbed by nearby plants, such as zinnias, and cause them to develop root rot.

Other Plants That Can Cause Root Rot

In addition to mint and cabbage, there are a number of other plants that can cause zinnias to develop root rot. These include:

• broccoli
• cauliflower
• kale
• Brussels sprouts
• turnips

If you are unsure whether a particular plant will cause zinnias to develop root rot, it is best to err on the side of caution and avoid planting them together.

When planting zinnias, it is important to avoid planting them near plants that can cause wilting or root rot. This will help to ensure that your zinnias grow healthy and strong.

Additional Tips for Growing Zinnias

In addition to avoiding plants that can cause wilting or root rot, there are a few other tips for growing zinnias successfully. These include:

• Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil. Zinnias need full sun to thrive. They also do best in soil that is rich in organic matter and drains well.
• Water zinnias regularly, especially during dry periods. Zinnias are drought-tolerant plants, but they will benefit from regular watering.
• Fertilize zinnias monthly with a balanced fertilizer. Zinnias are heavy feeders and will benefit from regular fertilization.
• Deadhead zinnias regularly. Deadheading is the process of removing spent flowers. This will help to encourage new blooms and keep your zinnias looking their best.

By following these tips, you can grow beautiful zinnias in your garden.

References

• [University of California, Davis](https://ucanr.edu/sites/mg/HowToGrow/Articles/Zinnias.html)
• [Missouri Botanical Garden](https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/gardens-and-gardening/your-garden/help-for-the-home-gardener/advice-for-home-gardeners/growing-guide/zinnia.aspx)
• [The Old Farmer’s Almanac](https://www.almanac.com/garden/flowers/growing-zinnias)

  Q: What plants should not be planted with zinnias?

A: There are a few plants that should not be planted with zinnias, as they can compete for water, nutrients, and sunlight. These plants include:

• Marigolds: Marigolds are known to attract aphids, which can also be a problem for zinnias.
• Petunias: Petunias are heavy feeders and can compete with zinnias for nutrients.
• Tomatoes: Tomatoes are susceptible to the same diseases as zinnias, so planting them together can increase the risk of infection.
• Cucumbers: Cucumbers require a lot of water, which can compete with zinnias for moisture.

Q: Why shouldn’t I plant marigolds with zinnias?

A: Marigolds are known to attract aphids, which can also be a problem for zinnias. Aphids are small, sap-sucking insects that can damage the leaves and flowers of both marigolds and zinnias. They can also spread diseases between plants.

Q: What are some other plants that can be planted with zinnias?

A: There are many plants that can be planted with zinnias, including:

• Sunflowers: Sunflowers are tall, sunny plants that make a great companion for zinnias. They both require full sun and well-drained soil, and they can help each other attract pollinators.
• Coneflowers: Coneflowers are another great option for planting with zinnias. They come in a variety of colors and bloom from late summer to early fall. Coneflowers are also drought-tolerant, so they can help zinnias survive during dry spells.
• Lavender: Lavender is a beautiful, fragrant herb that can be planted with zinnias. It attracts pollinators and helps to repel pests.
• Zinnias are a beautiful and easy-to-grow flower that can add color and life to any garden. By following these tips, you can help your zinnias thrive and produce a bountiful harvest.

  Zinnias are a popular summer flower, but there are a few things you should know before planting them in your garden. First, zinnias need full sun to thrive, so make sure you choose a spot in your garden that gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Second, zinnias are heavy feeders, so they will need to be fertilized regularly. Finally, zinnias are susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases, so it is important to keep an eye on your plants and take steps to prevent problems.

When it comes to companion planting, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, avoid planting zinnias near plants that are susceptible to the same pests and diseases. For example, zinnias are often affected by powdery mildew, so you should avoid planting them near plants that are also susceptible to this disease, such as tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant. Second, consider the growth habits of your plants when choosing companion plants. Zinnias are tall and bushy, so they can easily overshadow smaller plants. If you want to plant zinnias with smaller plants, such as marigolds or petunias, make sure to give the smaller plants plenty of space to grow.

Here are a few tips for successful zinnia gardening:

• Choose a sunny spot in your garden for your zinnias.
• Fertilize your zinnias regularly.
• Water your zinnias regularly, especially during dry spells.
• Watch for pests and diseases and take steps to prevent problems.
• Consider companion planting to help protect your zinnias from pests and diseases.

By following these tips, you can enjoy a beautiful zinnia garden all summer long.