The so called proper way to cut the zinnia is sacrifice that first bloom in the center. We don't do this however. We harvest them a couple different ways. You can drop down and cut below the next two side shoots and lose those (This is just above shoots 4 and 5). The stem will still be a little short. We use these first cuttings for our Cottage Bouquets. Then, also when the zinnias have been direct seeded, one way of thinning the plants is to harvest some entire plants. It's alot easier than thinning when the seedlings are small. And, the bonus is more flowers and longer stems on those first cuttings.

Flowerfarmer -- who is harvesting way more yellow zinnias than she really wants. The reds and purple seed flats were lost to the farmer's herbicide early in the season. So, we live with the yellow until the next section comes on -- which looks to be next week. We do have a section of mixed colors Oklahoma. We are mixing these with the Benary's yellow. Some years are just better than others for the zinnias............

Waiting on my "Envy" Zinnias here. Can't wait! Purple Prince and a white, too but impatient to see the Envy.

OK, thanks, that is helpful. This is the first year I have had decent zinnias and want make the most of them!
Kirk

Kirk, You need to take a picture of those decent zinnias and post them. It isn't every year they are decent. Some years are just better than others........

Kim, Envy doesn't get tall enough for our bouquets. There is a new lime green (last season) by Benary's that does get taller.

Thanks FF, I have the Benary's on the list for next year.