Zinnias downward evening curl

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TrixieDeLight Chepachet, RI Jul 15, 2008

I live in the Northeast and have grown Zinnias for several years and this year I notice that in the AM and through the late afternoon my zinnia stems are all standing upright. Right around 7 PM the budded stems begin to curl downward. The stems with flower buds opening or fully opened remain upright. Those that are curling downward are not drooping from heat or lack of water or sunlight. They are not flaccid. To lift them is to lift the entire stem--it is a rigid curl. Is this normal Zinnia behavior? The flowers are fine and the plants look healthy. Any help on this is greatly appreciated.
Puzzled in the Zinnia Patch.

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zinniagirl Litchfield, ME Jul 18, 2008

Did you start your zinnia's from seed or seedlings?

Also, do the zinnia's bounce back every morning?

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TrixieDeLight Chepachet, RI Jul 18, 2008

Hello Zinniagirl,

I started the Zinnias (Benary's, Oklahoma and Blue Point) from seed in a greenhouse. I usually grow Cut-n-Come-Again and State Fair. This year I wanted to try some different varieties. The flowers of the Benary's are gorgeous and I will grow again. The Blue point are not as productive so I might try another varieity next year. As for them standing up in the morning--98% are standing back up every morning. I have a few argeratum (Blue Horizon) plants that do the same thing. I have spoken with our local University Extension services and they were unable to help me. I am not overly concerned anymore because the plants remain healthy looking and I am cutting lovely blooms. But I am completely befuddled, confused and bewildered as to why this is happening. I am working tonight (can't you tell?) but I will try to keep better track of the timing of all of this. thanks for your interest....Trixie

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zinniagirl Litchfield, ME Jul 19, 2008

After reading your message I went out and checked mine. I have a couple hundred growing in my cutting garden and noticed a few of them doing what you described. It is odd...and I will try to find the answer.

Mine are just opening now ... LOVE THEM!

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