07/28/2026
Slide 1- You can cut zinnias when they pass the wiggle test (see the last 2 slides for videos showing the wiggle test) but you could be missing out if you donât wait a little longer⌠scroll the slides to see why- each slide has its own caption.
(Keep in mind that the stage at which you cut your zinnias depends on your goals and would be different if you were a flower farmer, a backyard bouquet maker, or a gardener).
Slide 2- Leaving zinnia flowers on the plant longer gives them more time to develop more petals. As they get bigger they often change colours and create all sorts of ombrĂŠ effects you might not have been expecting.
3- To see if a flower could benefit from more time on the plant, look at the center. If you see more petals developing, the flower is still growing.
This only works for double flowers. If you have single flowers (those with only one or two layers of petals) you wonât see more petals developing.
4- This flower is at a good stage for cutting but it could probably use a little more time. Itâs well past the âpassing the wiggle test stageâ and has had time to develop a nice ombrĂŠ effect, but itâs not old and worn out yet. It will keep growing and developing if you donât cut it- making it a stunning garden plant!
5- Letting zinnias mature is fun because you never know what youâll get! An orange flower with light pink under layer?! đđ
6- This one is past the perfect stage for cutting - itâs getting a little old and worn out but itâs a stunner in the garden.
7- And look at the centre - itâs not nearly done developing!
8-Yellow and purple on the same flower!!
9- You do need a little bit of patience to let these beauties shine.
10- This is a flower that does not pass the wiggle test. Its stem is floppy, not stiff. Do not cut - it will wilt.
11- This flower passes the wiggle test. Its stem is stiff. You could cut this one but look at that center! It still has more petals coming.
