Beth, this is what Wikipedia says about zinnias: "they are native to scrub and dry grassland in an area stretching from the Southwestern United States to South America, with a centre of diversity in Mexico."

Dry country. One of the few problems that I have with zinnias, in this semi-arid location, is maybe some mildew or black spot late in the season. That may well have to do with my overhead watering.

I'm wondering if you have been too conscientious about getting water to the zinnias on that daily basis and they have had a killing fungal disease. I don't like watering anything that often unless it is a root-bound plant in a container.

Steve

Ohhhhh I may replant and I’ll be much more careful this time. Thank you!!

I'm going to be really envious if the zinnias are the tall giant purple things in that picture! I love giant zinnias but never have any luck getting them to grow. They were my grandma's favorite flower. This year, I decided not to plant any tomatoes and instead filled my raised bed with zinnia seeds. I was hoping that the depth of the soil would provide for consistent moisture. I sowed five packets of seeds. As of today, I probably have about 30 plants which seems awfully sparse considering how many seeds I planted. The biggest of which are probably 5" tall. I have almost as many tomato volunteers from seeds that apparently were hanging around. We shall see!

Good luck pop mama!!! Yeah those are zinnias. I planted a bunch a few weeks ago and they started coming up but then I actually think it was rabbits that got to them. My strawberries are all eaten too Saw a bunny in the area since then. Ugh. Sprayed the new seeds with rabbit deterrent and pretty much threw them over mulch and watered them (per garden center advice) in so here’s hoping it works!!!!!! Good luck to you! Post pictures if they last