No need to pinch the buds off.

Thank you so much for the quick response. Glad to hear I dont need to do that as I as so anxious to see them flower. Will they just grow taller with the passing days?

My zinnias (and many other annuals) are doing the same thing. I did not pinch them, but still, many are only 6 to 8 inches tall and in bud or even bloom. The weather has been so weird this spring - first cool and rainy and then extremely humid and hot. The poor things probably don't know what to do! I'm just keeping my fingers crossed that they get a good deal taller over the season.

:)
Dee

There are several dwarf varieties of zinnias that get only about a foot tall. Perhaps some of you are growing one of those kinds.

MM

My zinias are about 8 inches tall and started blooming last Thursday. If they perform as in the past by August they will be chest high. I never pinch!!

Like maineman said......there are many different varieties of zinnias with assorted sizes....but as i say this....my zinnias are just beginning to bloom and are shorter than they usually are....i dont know about other parts of the country.....but here in kansas.....the temps have been unusually hot for june.

My zinnias are a bit smaller this year. But, I think it's because we've had very few sunny days. It's been rainy and cloudy almost every day for the past month. Although zinnias like some rain, they need sun and hot weather to perform well. I am just happy that they haven't developed any powderly mildew or other fungal problems with the constant dampness. I think once we get some hot sunny weather, they'll really take off.

I have both the dwarf and the tall ones.The tall ones are blooming already and the dwarfs are just starting to bud.Here's a picture taken a few weeks ago,they are much fuller now.
Kathi

{{gwi:13167}}

In my area, my zinnias don't really take off until about this time of year when the heat really sets in - then I can almost see a difference on a daily basis!