Flower Power

The Magellan Zinnias were planted on June 21, 2010 and seem to be a success.  They are fed about once a week with Miracle Grow but were planted in a rich soil with Dr. Earth fertilizer.

The practice of deadheading seems to help generate more flowers.  And right now there are loads of flowers.  I usually patrol the front yard each night and inspect the flowers.  A neighbor on her evening walk heaped praises on me for having such nice flowers.  I didn’t want to tell her that these practically grow themselves.  Instead, I thanked her for her kind words.

This variety really bushed out and pushed lush growth once the heat was constant starting around the 4th of July.  A gathering of teenaged boys for a party across the street had me worried that they would take out their hormones on the zinnias.  Nope.  They were simply goofy, stinky boys that were pretty much harmless.

The colors are really vibrant.  They seem almost psychedelic.  None of these photos have been enhanced.  Everything is straight out of the camera.  I was fiddling around with camera settings but couldn’t see much difference between any of the shots.  I’m still learning.

Pests don’t seem to bother them.  I’m not sure if the bug here is good or bad so I left it alone.  Butterflies, bumble bees, bees, and moths flutter around all the time.  I have not noticed any snails or slugs.

Magellan Zinnias grow well here in zone 9, Bakersfield, California.  The only thing I would do differently next time is to grow them from seed.  A flat cost $13.00.  A packet of seeds cost around $2.50.  Save money.  Spend time.