I don’t know about you, but a zinnia was among the first flowers I ever raised from seeds.
I was amazed by how quickly the State Fair zinnia patch took off after buying it from a cheap ten-cent packet with the worst picture ever on it. The zinnias grew enormously and blossomed with ease over the heat, muggy summer, covering the garden and landscape in their vibrant, fiery hues.
There is unquestionably something about the vibrantly coloured blooms that is simply breathtaking. They are a beautiful flower, and I’m glad we can regularly grow them wherever we live. And because they are so simple to grow, I believe we will continue to plant them every year.
The workhorse of most flower farms, zinnias produce season after season of limitless, plentiful bucketfuls of large, fluffy, bright blossoms with little effort. As I produce more flowers, I find that zinnias are my favourite variety to grow because of how well they perform both in the garden and when cut into arrangements.
Selecting your Variety
There are many different zinnia varieties available, seemingly for every need and circumstance.
There are large, enormous zinnias like the “Benary Giant” series, which have beautiful double stunning flowers in a wide range of colours and can measure around 3–4 inches across. They are almost like Gerbera daisies in appearance—fully double in most cases, with those same fluffy outer petals that resemble a tutu—making them the ideal zinnias for cutting and utilising in arrangements.
However, there is also the “Queen” series. The “Queen” series is a lesson in subtlety as compared to the “Benary Giant” series’ vivid and striking hues. These zinnias are unlike the ones you see in home gardens and landscapes because they have a lovely tarnished, heirloom quality to them. They come in subdued dusty pink tones and pair beautifully with the delicate light green of viburnum and hydrangea petals. They also have excellent form, sometimes taking on an almost spherical, ideal shape.
If you prefer smaller blooms to the enormous ones, there are lesser varieties of zinnias available. The ‘Oklahoma’ line of zinnias, which come in all the hues of the zinnia rainbow, are particularly noteworthy. These miniature double flowers bloom profusely and abundantly, resembling tiny macarons on top of the stems.
Another option is the “Zinderella” series, which is distinguished by its puffy, scabiosa-flowered forms. Even though we rarely get the cupcake-shaped scabiosa flowering forms after growing these for several years (less than 5% of all the plants we grow have any sort of double nature, instead usually ending up as singles), they are still stunning with the pale light lavender of Zinderella lilac and pale peach of Zinderella peach, respectively, that add a certain elegance and lightness to any arrangement.
It’s interesting to note that the ‘Cresto’ series of zinnias are also purported to flower in the scabiosa form, purportedly at a greater rate of 75%. We’ll expand this year to determine whether or not it’s true.
The haageana group of zinnias are the last group. Although they are short and prolific, these zinnias are typically better suited for the front of the border or as bedding plants. However, if they are pinched firmly and given enough water and fertiliser to thrive, they may eventually produce flowers that are tall enough to be used in arrangements.
The ‘Jazzy’ mix, a warm-toned haageana group zinnia with lots of doubles and bicolors in little sizes that work well combining into bouquets and arrangements all season long, has captured my heart in particular.
Scheduling
Zinnias may bloom from seed to full bloom in around 75 days, which is very quick for such a lovely flower. They grow from seed incredibly quickly and readily, so you’ll get a plant that will develop soon and become rather enormous.
Zinnias are a typical example of a hot annual that thrives in the heat of July and August because they are native to Mexico. So they require heat to germinate when you start your zinnias. If you’re starting zinnias early in the season, you can use a heat mat; alternatively, when the ground is warm enough, you can direct-sow them (my favourite way of doing so).
I’ll really start early to make sure the “fancy zinnias”—the Benary Giants, the Queen series, and the Zinderella series—get a little bit of cooler weather when they’re first growing because it helps them develop the wonderful double flowering forms at a faster rate.
Seeding
Because they are so big, zinnia seeds are simple to handle. They are the perfect size for gripping between your thumb and forefinger and planting into the ground; they resemble sunflower seeds in size. They are one of the few plants that I direct sow, which is one of the reasons.
Remember that heat is necessary for the zinnia seeds to germinate, whether it comes from a heat mat, the sun’s rays, or the residual heat from the sun-warmed ground. You can surface plant zinnia seeds as long as you keep them moist and warm, but I prefer to cover mine with a small layer of mud or soil to keep them moist during the germination process.
Keep an eye on them and plant them out immediately if you are planting into trays or soil blocks. Zinnias can become root-bound because of their rapid growth and ability to outgrow tiny soil blocks or cells. We often transplant them out after they develop their first pair of genuine leaves, so you don’t want that to happen.
Growing Out
Since most of us don’t live in the Pacific Northwest near the beach, we can still produce wonderful zinnias as they can survive a very wide range of circumstances. The optimal climate for zinnias is around 70-80 F during the day and enough of moisture and air movement.
Once they start growing, zinnias take very little maintenance. They manage heat, sun, drought, and even rain reasonably well. They will develop into large, bushy plants that can occasionally reach 3′ broad and as tall as long as they have a reliable source of nutrients and water.
Given our generally dry location, we don’t use netting, but if your zinnias grow too tall and succulent, you might want to. Personally, we like to plant our zinnias just far enough apart to ensure that they sustain one another.
Harvesting
Because they are one of those flowers that bloom again after being cut, zinnias are definitely a fantastic flower for cutting. The plant will continue to produce flowers for you all season long as long as you keep cutting them.
It’s crucial to cut the first stem all the way to the plant’s base because it is the largest and most magnificent stem you will ever receive, sometimes measuring about half an inch thick.
In essence, the zinnia plant is being pinched in this way to encourage the growth of multiple side shoots. In spite of the fact that it may seem counterintuitive and be excruciating to do so, especially after waiting so long for the first flower to blossom, I tell you that it is crucial to do so in order to ensure that your zinnias continue to produce.
Avoid the error of leaving your zinnia plants’ blossoms on them for an excessively lengthy period of time. First of all, blooms that remain on the plant begin to deteriorate and make a patch of zinnias appear worn-out or obsolete. A zinnia will begin producing seed if you leave old flowers on it, which means that it will focus all of its energy on creating seeds rather than continuing to produce flowers for you to cut.
The optimal time to pick zinnias is when the outermost petals are open or nearly open but the interior coiled firmly. The stem test, which involves jiggling the zinnia back and forth while holding it by the stem, is the best way to find out. The zinnia is ready for harvesting if the stem is quite sturdy and the top of the flower doesn’t shift around too much. It’s not nearly time to harvest a zinnia if the stem flops back and forth, making the flower’s head flap around like a muppet.
Zinnias should be cut into cool, fresh water. The water must be extremely clean because zinnias are known for being “dirty flowers,” which quickly sully their water. The cleaner the water, the better. We are aware of numerous flower farmers who use zinnia chlorine tablets to keep their water sparkling and fresh.
Arranging
Because of their complementary colours and their disc-like form, which mimics the pattern and shape of other prominent flowers, zinnias make excellent supporting or secondary flowers.
Having said that, a Senora or a Benary Giant can be utilised as the focus flower on their own, depending on the size and style of your arrangement.
The larger zinnias, such as the Queen series or the Benary Giants, are typically used as the primary supporting flowers, and the smaller zinnias, such as Jazzy Mix, Oklahomas, and Zinderellas, are used as the secondary supporting flowers. It again serves to generate rhythm and pattern within an arrangement, which really helps to bring arrangements together and make them feel very cohesive, when comparable flowers of various scales and types are mixed together.
Fresh zinnias should be used in your bouquets. Although some people have claimed to preserve zinnias for up to seven days, we find that they often only endure for three to four days for us. To guarantee that florists receive the freshest zinnias possible, we often strive to cut them the night before delivery.
If you’ve been hesitant to grow zinnias because you believed they were too basic, only came in gaudy bright colours, or weren’t deserving of your attention, I hope this year will be the year that you give it a try. No other flower can genuinely provide you with as much beauty and production while being as simple to grow and happy to thrive in both humid and rich soil and drought-prone environments.
Check out our eBook series on growing cut flowers for profit and success if you’re interested in flower farming and want to learn how to cultivate zinnias and other flowers as a business.
Can zinnias be used as cut flowers?
Consider zinnias when you need consistent, low-maintenance cut flowers. They only need full sun and healthy soil; they don’t need any additional care or conditions. Even better, zinnias are available in almost all colours (except blue). There is a zinnia for almost every event, which makes them a suitable cut for arrangements ranging from traditional to traditional-style.
Color. From the vivid, high-chroma Benary’s Giant Series to the delicate, mellow tones of “Creamy Yellow,” “Oklahoma Salmon,” and “Queen Red Lime,” the colour spectrum of zinnia blossoms is quite astounding. Whether you are interested in floriculture for business or pleasure, our experiments have produced a wide range of high-performing options that will work well for you.
What zinnia varieties make the best cut flowers?
The dahlia-flowered zinnia category includes many of the best zinnias for cut flowers. For cutting or use in the summer garden flower border, these tall plants produce long, sturdy stems with some of the largest flowers. Here are the top selections.
Benary’s Giants
Both amateur gardeners and commercial flower growers use this well-known and commonly produced zinnia species to create armfuls of enormous, completely double zinnia flowers. Both the combination and the individual colours are available for purchase. Plants can reach a height of 40 inches and a width of 12 to 16 inches. Flowers that are 3 to 4 inches broad look beautiful in bouquets and vases. Benary’s Giant zinnias are not only robust and floriferous, but they also have good disease resistance. Here are some of the best Benary’s Giants single-color zinnia variants.
Giant Bright Pink Zinnia from Benary
Strong stems bear bright shell-pink flowers; excellent for the cutting garden.
Giant Carmine Rose Zinnia from Benary
Long-lasting medium rose-pink flowers are supported by sturdy stalks.
How can you extend the vase life of zinnias?
Change the water in the zinnia vase every two to three days to encourage long vase life. The vase should then be taken out after being checked for bacterial growth. Just as clean as when you first assembled your zinnia arrangement, your vase should be. Refill the container with warm water once more while adding commercial or home-made floral preservative.
To encourage hydration and stop sap loss, recut the stems of the zinnias on an angle and scald them once more before placing them back in the vase. Take off any wilted or otherwise unappealing foliage beneath the blooms. Remove any wilted flowers as well so that water can be directed to vibrant blooming.
Before your zinnias can no longer be revived, you should be able to change the water a couple of times. Go outside once they have finished and cut a fresh bouquet of zinnias. You may take advantage of freshly cut zinnia bouquets all during the blooming season with the right upkeep and care.
Are zinnias always trimmed and replanted?
Cut and Come Again Zinnias, a popular term that delighted gardeners, was given to the “Pumila” combination of zinnias, which caused a sensation. Since they all grow so easily and bloom for such a long time, their performance is essentially the same. If you cut the wilting flowers, they will all “come again.”
So simple! Why zinnias are so popular: No plant can likely provide you with more colour for less effort. This is due to the fact that zinnias are among the easiest plants to cultivate from seed (even young children can do it, and many do! ), that they bloom all season long until the first frost, and that they produce all colours but blue. Another flower that accomplishes all of that come to mind?
How to raise them Really, only good full sun is necessary, however some of the more modern hybrids will even bloom in partial shade. Given that they originate from hot, desert-like settings, they don’t require much water. Soil? Almost any type of soil will do, but if you have access to it, they prefer grittier, faster-draining soil.
For an early flowering, zinnia seeds are ideal for starting indoors. However, make sure to wait until the last of the frost has passed and the earth has warmed up a little before planting them. Since these plants are native to frost-free climates and dislike chilly soil, they are extremely susceptible to frost. You can wait until spring to plant them outside if you’d prefer. They are not at all demanding.
The Wildflower that has been adorned for a long time. The majority of the 20 species of Zinnia found in the wild are from Mexico, and they may all be found in the dry, rocky soils of North, Central, and South America. Since zinnias are one of our most heavily hybridised wildflowers and the rather “ragged” originals don’t resemble our garden beauties, you would be astounded if you saw the wild plants. That’s because hybridizers have been “working on” them for decades after discovering them early.
The Untamed Ones The species Zinnia elegans, a typical wild plant in Mexico, is the one that is hybridised the most. However, several of the other species have been the subject of research in recent years. The Zinnia adapts fast and willingly to practically whatever the hybridizers wish to do, much like the Dahlia (also from Mexico): larger, taller, or smaller blooms. colourful flower varieties. They appear to be able to do anything to Zinnias, no matter what it is.
Because of this, zinnias have been a mainstay among major color-makers in gardens since the time of your great-grandmother, and new varieties are being developed for our gardens virtually every year.