Profusion Zinnias

Profusion zinnias have strong, durable foliage that resists insects and repels browsing deer and rabbits. Plus, they have the added benefit of strong disease tolerance to alternaria and powdery mildew. Available in both single and double flower forms, Profusion combines nicely with other annuals or alone in a feature bed.

Bob Croft is a 22-year veteran of Sakata Seed America managing technical support, culture documents and trials coordination. Bob can be reached at bcroft@sakata.com
 

Production:

• Select a well-drained, porous media with a pH of 5.8 to 6.2 and EC <0.6 mmhos.
• A 288 plug tray works well and is ready for transplanting in 4 weeks.
• Water in the plug tray to the point of drip prior to sowing. Then, sow the seed and cover with coarse vermiculite. Do not water after sowing or the day following sowing. Then, apply moisture as needed for germination (Level 4, wet but not saturated).
• Optimum germination temperature is 76ºF/25ºC.
• After cotyledon expansion, apply 50 to 75 ppm N from a Cal/Mag formulation (13-2-13-6 Ca-3Mg). Then, fertilize at 100 to 150 ppm N to maintain the EC at 1.0 to 1.2 mmhos (2:1 dilution). Boron should be applied at 0.25 ppm to ensure healthy growth.
• After emergence, reduce humidity and target a temperature of 68 to 70ºF/20 to 21ºC.
• Zinnia Profusion forms flower buds quicker when the days are short (<12 hours). To ensure sufficient plant size, provide long days (night interruption for 4 hours or day length extension to 14+ hours) with a minimum of 10 foot candles/110 lux in the plug stage. For larger containers, select a lower density plug tray (72 cell) and light for 6 weeks or else continue lighting the plants after transplanting a few additional weeks.
• Higher light levels (8 to 10 moles) promote faster bulking and basal branching.
• For finishing, target the EC between 1.2 to 1.5 mmhos and fertilize with calcium nitrate-based fertilizer. To ensure adequate boron levels, target 0.25 ppm B at each irrigation and maintain optimum pH (5.8 to 6.2). Periodic applications of magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) at 30* ppm Mg ensures a deep green healthy leaf color (*4 ounces/100 gallons).
• Optimum finishing temperature is 65 to 70ºF/18 to 21ºC.
• For height control, use negative DIF, pinching or B-Nine at 2,500 to 5,000 ppm. Avoid over-regulating the plants to ensure customer satisfaction.
   

Did you know?
Profusion zinnias will finish in as little as 9 to 10 weeks in large packs and 11 to 12 weeks in larger-sized containers and hanging baskets.