Candy Cane Mix

Zinnia elegans is commonly hit by powdery mildew, which shows up as a white, dusty coating on leaves (often in humid weather or with crowded plants). Improve airflow by spacing plants and watering at the soil line, then remove heavily affected leaves; for prevention and treatment, use a labeled fungicide for powdery mildew on ornamentals and reapply as directed. If the problem is severe, pull and discard the worst plants to slow spread.

Harvest when flower heads are fully colored and open, but before petals start browning or the center becomes too messy. For best continued blooming, cut blooms at the point where the stem meets a healthy set of leaves, ideally in the morning when flowers are most hydrated. Regular harvesting (every few days during peak) helps trigger new buds and keeps the plants producing.