What Not to Plant with Zinnias: 8 Companions to Avoid

August 23, 2024 by Robby

It can make all the difference in the world when it comes to making a garden that is full of life and color.

To get the most out of them, though, you should think about zinnia companion plants that not only look good with them but also help keep the garden ecosystem healthy and productive.

We will look at a variety of plants that go well with zinnias and talk about their benefits, such as attracting good bugs and making the soil better.

Zinnias are popular flowering annuals that add vibrant pops of color to gardens. Their bright and cheery blooms attract pollinators while also repelling certain pests. This makes zinnias excellent companion plants for many other flowers, herbs, and vegetables.

However, zinnias do have some particular growing requirements. So while they pair nicely with some plants, there are certain companions that are not suitable. Knowing what not to plant with zinnias can prevent issues like stunted growth, decreased blooms, and plant diseases.

In this article, we’ll look at 8 plants to avoid planting with zinnias and discuss why they make poor companions. We’ll also cover better zinnia pairings and tips for optimal companion planting.

What are Zinnias’ Growing Needs?

Before exploring incompatible companions, let’s first look at what zinnias need to thrive:

Full sun Zinnias grow best with at least 6 hours of direct sun per day Less light results in leggy,sparse blooms

Well-drained soil: Moisture-retentive soil leads to root rot and fungal issues in zinnias.
Average fertility: Zinnias flourish in average soil and only need a moderate amount of nutrients.
pH of 6.0-7.0: Neutral to slightly acidic soil pH is ideal for zinnias. Highly acidic or alkaline conditions hinder growth.

Moderate water Overwatering invites disease while underwatering stunts growth, Aim for 1-2 inches of water per week

With these requirements in mind, let’s look at 8 plants you’ll want to avoid pairing with zinnias

8 Plants Not to Grow with Zinnias

1. Lavender

While lavender’s fragrant blooms attract pollinators, its preference for dry, sandy soils makes it a poor match for moisture-loving zinnias. Plant lavender and zinnias in separate garden beds.

2. Rosemary

Like lavender, rosemary thrives in hot, dry conditions. Growing rosemary near zinnias often results in one or both plants declining. Space them apart instead.

3. Basil

Although basil and zinnias both enjoy sunlight, basil requires more frequent watering. Overwatering zinnias to accommodate basil invites disease. Grow them separately.

4. Marigolds

Surprisingly, popular companion plant marigolds don’t pair well with zinnias. Marigolds release chemicals that inhibit zinnia growth. Keep them apart.

5. Legumes

Beans, peas, and other legumes prefer consistent moisture. Their long taproots also outcompete shallow zinnia roots for water. Avoid planting them together.

6. Tall flowers

Tall plants like sunflowers or cosmos can shade out zinnias, reducing their light exposure and blooms. Opt for short companion plants instead.

7. Aggressive spreaders

Vigorous growers like mint or lemon balm can quickly overtake zinnias. Curb their spreading nature by planting them apart.

8. Heavy feeders

Nutrient-hungry plants deplete soil nutrients needed by zinnias. Don’t pair zinnias with tomatoes, corn, or other heavy feeders.

Better Zinnia Companion Plant Options

While some plants are incompatible with zinnias, many make excellent companion plants. Here are a few top options:

Nasturtiums: Repel pests, attract pollinators, add color
Petunias: Complementary blooms, shade soil, discourage weeds
Dwarf dahlias: Attract pollinators without shading

Cosmos: Provides vertical interest and pollinator appeal
Marigold varieties like Signet: Repel insects without inhibiting growth
Salvias: Shared sun and soil preferences plus pollinator friendly

Tips for Successful Zinnia Companion Planting

Follow these tips to ensure zinnias and companion plants thrive:

Carefully space plants according to mature size to prevent overcrowding and competition.
Water early in the day to allow foliage to dry out and prevent diseases.

Group plants with similar light, water, and soil needs for optimal growing conditions.
Enrich soil with compost or organic fertilizer to provide nutrients for all plants.
Remove weeds promptly to eliminate competition for resources.

Scout regularly for pests or disease and address issues immediately.
Deadhead spent blooms to prolong flowering.

While some popular plants like lavender, rosemary, and marigolds don’t pair well with zinnias, many flowering annuals, herbs, and vegetables make excellent companions. Choosing suitable plants, properly spacing them, and providing good growing conditions ensures both zinnias and neighboring plants can thrive. Avoid pairing zinnias with incompatible plants and you’ll be rewarded with a vibrant, productive, and pest-free garden.

Sweet Alyssum (Lobularia maritima)

Sweet Alyssum is a low-growing, fragrant companion plant that pairs well with zinnias in borders or containers.

Its small flowers attract good bugs and cover the ground, stopping weeds from growing and keeping the soil moist.

Here are the sweet alyssum seeds I recommend:

Verbena is a colorful companion plant that complements zinnias blooms.

The plant’s clusters of flowers are attractive to bees and butterflies and give the garden color all season long.

Here is the verbena I recommend growing:

When choosing plants to grow with zinnias, remember to think about things like how much light they need, how they grow, and when they bloom.

By picking plants that look good with zinnias, you can make a garden that looks nice, encourages good bugs to visit, keeps bad bugs away, and improves pollination.

Can you plant zinnias and marigolds together?

Yes, zinnias and marigolds can be planted together as they make excellent companions.

Marigolds help repel pests and attract beneficial insects, while zinnias attract pollinators and provide a vibrant visual contrast.

This combination can enhance the health and beauty of your garden while promoting a thriving ecosystem.

Pinching zinnias to DOUBLE your blooms + simple pruning method

FAQ

What do zinnias repel?

They help deter pests such as nematodes and repel aphids, whiteflies, and other harmful insects. Marigolds also attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings, which prey on garden pests.

Can you plant zinnias next to tomatoes?

Plant a few next to your Whopper tomatoes or your eggplant and squash plants. The bees and other pollinators can’t miss them. If that’s not enough, the zinnias will deter pests like the tomato worms and cucumber beetles while attracting the predatory wasps. These wasps are the enemy of tomato and tobacco worms.

What is the problem with the zinnia plant?

Powdery mildew, Erysiphe cichoracearum. This is the most common disease of zinnia. White powdery spots or patches develop on leaves and occasionally on stems. Symptoms often first appear on the upper surfaces of the leaves and are usually most pronounced during hot, humid weather.

Are zinnias good to plant with vegetables?

This long bloom season makes them excellent for landscape color in mixed plantings or for cutting gardens. Zinnias are one of the best annuals for attracting pollinators, especially butterflies. Interplant zinnias between rows of vegetables or as a border around vegetables to attract more pollinators to your garden.

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