cosmolover,

Actually, from the variety of symptoms you describe, there may be more than one problem at work. Nutritional problems can be the cause of distorted and curled up leaves. A calcium deficiency could do that, and so could a boron deficiency. Boron is a trace element, and is also toxic in rather small amounts, so correcting a boron deficiency requires some care not to overdo it. Calcium is easier to deal with. A slight sprinkling of gypsum or lawn lime (dolomitic limestone, which contains both calcium and magnesium) on the soil around the zinnias should take care of the calcium deficiency. Actually plants use quite a bit of calcium, but some garden soils already have plenty of it. Has there been any significant change in your garden soil from last year to this year?

If you apply a soluble fertilizer like Miracle-Gro that includes trace elements (micro-nutrients) in the formula you will get some boron in a safe amount for your zinnias. If you are an organic gardener, I don't know what to tell you. I use some organic methods like compost and a minimum of toxic sprays, but I am not an organic gardener, so I don't mind "chemicals" and I use quite a few (including calcium nitrate as a soluble form of calcium.)

As for the black spots, rust spots, and rotting leaves, that sounds like a plant disease or diseases. Even if you are an organic gardener, you shouldn't mind spraying your zinnias with something like GreenCure®. GreenCure is effective against a wide variety of foliage diseases, and I use it routinely in my zinnia patch later in the season.

However, it is actually quite unusual to have zinnia disease problems this early in the season. Did you by any chance leave dead zinnia plants in the garden over the Winter?

Maybe if you posted or linked a picture or two of your distressed zinnias we could get a better idea of what is wrong.

MM

Maineman,

Thanks so much for the info. It is very helpful to have some insight from someone in my Zone as well. The only changes I have made was some bagged manure and ProMix that I amended my soil with. I am not an organic gardener so I will try some of the things you mentioned. I also did not leave any dead zinnias over winter. My digital camera is sick right now. I will borrow my moms today and take some for you to look at. Thanks again.

Jess