Did you know that one of the best ways to both power and protect your tomato plants is to simply grow zinnias around them? It’s true – and it’s so easy to do!
While many gardeners focus on fertilizing, pruning, and staking their tomato plants to help them stay healthy and produce better – as it turns out, one of the easiest ways to get more tomatoes from your plants is through companion planting. Especially when it comes to using zinnias as that companion plant.
The vibrant flowers of zinnias do more than just add a splash of color to your garden – they also play a critical role in attracting pollinators, drawing in beneficial insects, deterring pests, and improving overall plant health.
But what really makes zinnias the perfect companion for tomatoes is just how easy they are to plant and care for. In fact, it’s hard to find a more low-maintenance annual than zinnias – or a prettier one in your garden.
Here is a look at what zinnias can do for your tomato plants this year – and how to plant them with ease!
Why To Grow Zinnias With Tomato Plants
Attracting Pollinators For Better Tomato Production
One of the best attributes of zinnias is how they help tomato plants be more productive. Although tomatoes are self-pollinating, they still benefit from pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hoverflies.
Zinnias are known for their bright, long-lasting blooms, which act as beacons for pollinators. By planting them near your tomatoes, you create an inviting environment that encourages more frequent visits from these helpful insects.
Pollinators like bumblebees and native solitary bees are particularly drawn to zinnias because of their abundant nectar and easy-to-access pollen. As these insects move from zinnia to tomato flowers, they inadvertently transfer pollen between tomato blossoms, leading to improved fruit development.
Quite simply, the more of these flying insects you can attract – the more they will help facilitate pollination by moving pollen between flowers, increasing the chances of successful fruit set and higher yields.
Growing Zinnias With Tomato Plants For Beneficial Insects
Beyond pollinators, zinnias also attract beneficial insects that can help to keep destructive pests in check. There is no better example of this help than with aphids, who are one of the most troublesome pests for tomato plants.
Aphids are tiny, sap-sucking insects that can quickly multiply and weaken tomato plants. They do this by draining their nutrients. Aphids also attract ants that can be harmful and also spread plant disease with the sticky dew they leave behind.
Fortunately, zinnias are great for luring in predatory insects such as ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps that love to feed on aphids. And in the process, they can greatly help to control aphid populations.
But zinnias also bring in other insects that help with other pests. In addition to aphids, spider mites and whiteflies are common tomato pests that can be managed by beneficial insects. But zinnias bring in hoverflies, which can help to wipe these two pests out!
Hoverflies, which resemble small bees, lay their eggs near aphid colonies. When the eggs hatch, the larvae devour aphids at an astonishing rate. It doesn’t end there as zinnias also attract parasitic wasps with their nectar. The wasps then target harmful caterpillars like tomato hornworms, keeping your crop safe from damage.
Easy Companion Planting With Zinnias
Another great feature of companion planting zinnias with tomatoes is just how effortless it is to implement – and maintain.
Zinnia seeds can be directly sown into the ground at the same time you plant your tomato transplants. Simply scatter the seeds around the base of the tomato plants or along the edges of your tomato bed. Within days, the seeds will germinate, and the seedlings will begin to grow alongside your tomato plants.
Zinnias thrive in the same growing conditions as tomatoes, making them an ideal companion plant. Both plants prefer full sun, well-draining soil, and moderate watering. Zinnias also grow quickly, reaching maturity within a few weeks. Affiliate Seed Link: Zinnia Seeds – California Giants Mix – Large 1 Ounce Packet
As they bloom, they start attracting pollinators and beneficial insects, providing protection and support to your tomato crop right away. Last but not least, all of their foliage growth helps shade the soil below tomato plants. This helps to reduce soil moisture evaporation, keeping the tomato roots cool and conserving moisture for them.
Taking Care Of Zinnias In The Garden
Zinnias are one of the easiest flowers to grow and maintain. They are drought-tolerant, requiring little water once established. They also can thrive even in poor soil conditions. Unlike some companion plants that require regular trimming or management, zinnias are mostly self-sufficient.
They will bloom continuously throughout the growing season, providing a constant source of nectar for pollinators and beneficial insects. And beyond their practical benefits, zinnias also add tons of color to your garden space!
Zinnias also make excellent cut flowers. With their long stems and vibrant blooms, they are perfect for fresh bouquets. And – harvesting zinnias for flower vases helps encourage even more blooming, ensuring a continuous bloom of helpful flowers all season long.
Saving Zinnia Seeds for Free Flowers Every Year
From a cost standpoint, zinnias are also great for a gardener’s budget. That’s because it’s easy to save their seeds. Because zinnias are open-pollinated, the seeds you collect will produce the same flowers from year to year.
To save zinnia seeds, allow some of the flowers to dry out on the plant. Once the petals have withered and turned brown, gently pluck the dried flower heads and extract the seeds inside. Store them in a cool, dry place until the next growing season.
For more on companion planting with tomatoes, check out our article: The Best Companion Plants For Tomatoes – 5 Great Plants To Grow With Tomatoes!
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