In the wild, there are around 20 different zinnia species. Few of these species are regularly grown in gardens, but hundreds of various cultivars and hybrids have been created from the few species that are.
Therefore, you can pretty much find a zinnia in whatever color scheme you like, in a variety of patterns, forms, and sizes, from a few inches to several feet tall.
Are you interested in learning more about growing these amazing annuals? See our comprehensive zinnia growing guide.
Which zinnia is the best?
The Top 15 Zinnia Varieties
- Envy.
- Stick of peppermint.
- Cherry Profusion.
- Queeny Orange Lime.
- State Fair Blend.
- Mix Ivory and Cherry together.
- Lilac Zinderella.
- Yellow Flame Zowie
Is it possible to find a blue zinnia?
Blue zinnias don’t exist, at least not in our experience. In reality, the seeds we sowed sprouted into red and yellow zinnias.
It is now extremely likely that someone photo-shopped the box to make the blooms appear blue after realizing that gardeners like us would want to purchase blue zinnias.
While it was obvious that our zinnias were anything but blue, the distributor purposefully said on the listing that it was for blue zinnias.
Has anyone ever grown blue zinnias successfully? Anyone else fall victim to a seed salesman who misled them by saying their zinnias were blue?
Do you have any knowledge in zinnia breeding? Please post any gardening-related knowledge, advice, or queries in the comments section below.
What zinnias are the largest?
In the hopes that it will encourage you to plant some of these hardworking, heat-loving beauties in your garden this season, I thought I’d share some of my favorite types that we grow here on the farm.
To start with, we are incredibly excited about Unicorn Mix (pictured above). While it’s still a work in progress, this unique Floret blend has been a labor of love for us, and we’re pleased to be able to share it with the world at last.
The mixture features medium-sized, usually double blooms with eye-catching lavender centers that come in a beguiling array of vibrant sherbet shades, including raspberry, orange, magenta, lemon, apricot, dusty lilac, and blush.
Golden Hour, another new release from Floret, is a stunning assortment of warm buff, honey, and soft apricot flowers that began with two single plants we found in our fields.
We’ve gathered the seeds throughout time and picked out the lightest antique melon hues. Nothing else like it is available in the market. This cultivar is called after the golden hour just before the sun sets on the horizon, which is our favorite time of day on the farm.
The zinnia family’s largest-flowered kinds, Benary’s Giant Series plants frequently grow to a height of 4 to 5 feet (1.2 to 1.5 meters), and they frequently feature a high proportion of enormous double flowers. They have a total of 12 different hues and are renowned for having sturdy stems and exceptional disease resistance.
The ‘Giant Salmon Rose’ variety, shown above, is my all-time favorite since its warm peachy color is so adaptable and gets softer with age. Both pastel and vivid hues go nicely with it.
The “Desert Sunset Mix” (seen above) is another color I adore. It has my three favorite warm-toned Benary’s Giant hues: coral, orange, and carmine. When coupled with acid green or deep crimson blooms and foliage, they make a striking statement.
A longtime customer favorite, “Benary’s Giant Coral” is a glistening tropical coral-salmon variation. ‘Benary’s Giant Carmine’ (shown right) features raspberry-pink blooms that have a three-dimensional aspect as they age due to the outer tips of the petals fading.
The smallest tinge of lavender is bordered around the petal tips of “Benary’s Giant Orange,” giving them an iridescent appearance. ‘Benary’s Giant Lime’ has unusual Granny Smith apple-green flowers that are densely covered in petals.
‘Benary’s Giant Deep Red’ (shown left) has a deep ruby-red color with just a tinge of purple on the back of the petals, giving them a dazzling, iridescent appearance. ‘Benary’s Giant Bright Pink’s’ (right) cotton candy-pink blossoms are as delicious as they come.
The dramatic, deep wine shade “Benary’s Giant Wine” (seen on the left) is a customer favorite. The outer petals of “Benary’s Giant Lilac” (shown on the right) begin as a vibrant lilac and gradually turn a chilly, pale lavender, creating a haunting image.
The most prolific and floriferous zinnias I’ve ever grown are the Oklahoma Series. Oklahoma Salmon, Pink, Carmine, Ivory, White, Yellow, and Scarlet are among the series’ seven colors.
‘Oklahoma Salmon’ (seen above) features small, double blooms that go beautifully with everything. They are a warm blend of salmon and peach. Everyone adores this find!
To the satisfaction of innumerable growers and designers, Frank Morton from Wild Garden Seed in the Pacific Northwest brought back “Oklahoma Ivory,” which had previously been withdrawn. This cultivar, cherished for its adaptable creamy ivory color and lovely double flowers, is one that we are thrilled to offer.
The Queen Series of zinnias has the most distinctive collection of uncommon colors, such as lime green, smoky apricot, dusty rose, and limey blush.
A welcome advance to the zinnia family, the Queen Series cultivates vigorous plants with strong stems and hardy flowers in addition to their distinctive colors.
The ‘Queen Lime Blush’ flower, which is usually double and semidouble and is shown above, is unlike anything else we’ve ever seen. Everyone who sees them falls in love at first sight. It must be grown!
“Queen Lime Orange”: The most exquisite assortment of iridescent raspberry, apricot, and smoky peach with a dark cranberry center can be found in the Queen Series. When paired with lush greenery and blooms, this color’s versatility looks amazing.
Types with scabiosa flowers: I cultivated scabiosa-flowered zinnias for the first time in 2014, and they rapidly rose to the top of my list of seasonal favorites. The lacy double blossoms resemble double-flowered echinacea or little gerbera daisies.
They feature lovely long stems, strong disease resistance, and a gorgeous variety of hues.
The improved variety “Candy Mix” (seen above) features a higher proportion of double blossoms in a cozy, upbeat combination of scarlet, raspberry, pink, salmon, tangerine, gold, and cream.
It’s important to note that many growers in warmer areas have observed that they don’t receive the same high proportion of doubles with scabiosa kinds (doubles shown on the right) that we experience in the Pacific Northwest.
I believe that if plants experience any stress, such as not getting enough water or being exposed to too-high temperatures, they will begin to produce single blooms after doing a lot of research and exchanging letters with the breeders (pictured left).
Although the single blooms are attractive and distinctive, many people have been let down by this fact.
The frilly double blooms of “Zinderella Peach” (seen above) have a dramatic dark center and are a warm blend of salmon, peach, and cream. This may be my favorite zinnia out of all the ones we cultivate. The exquisite blend of blush and delicate lavender known as “Zinderella Lilac” (seen above) is highlighted with an eye-catching black center. Floral designers adore it since it’s perfect for wedding work!
Bicolor novelties: Everyone who sees these interesting bicolor novelties is bound to be intrigued.
Since we’ve been cultivating “Macarenia” for years, we’ve discovered that people either adore it or despise it. For a whimsical twist, each glistening crimson flower has a gold tip. This diligent plant, which took home the Fleuroselect Novelty Award in 2012, does well in the heat and is quite simple to grow.
With a fresh spin on zinnias, “Mazurkia” is a Fleuroselect Winner with good cause. A lively, campy double blossom with lipstick-pink centers and gentle blush tips is produced by the medium-sized plant.
Types with tiny flowers: The traditional “Lilliput Mix” (seen above) belongs in every cutting garden. The simple-to-grow, heat-loving plants bear an abundant crop of pleasant blooms in hues of rose, carmine, orange, coral, white, yellow, and violet on long, sturdy stems. They are perfect for floral arrangements because of their small flower size.
I adore “Lilliput Salmon” in particular (pictured growing above). All summer long, this delightful bloomer produces a profusion of small, completely double, salmon dome-shaped flowers.
The Sunbow Series has been around for a very long time and is available from Johnny’s Selected Seeds. It features tiny 1- to 2-inch (2.5 to 5 cm) double blooms that are supported by long, robust stems. It is available in a bright assortment of colors, including white, red, orange, pink, scarlet, and golden yellow. Plants are perfect for flower arrangements since they have long, wiry stalks.
Cactus-flowered varieties: These amusing novelty flowers come in a variety of hues, including orange, pink, red, yellow, peach, and white, and have the coolest twisted, shaggy petals.
My favorite variety is “Seora” (seen above), which has warm salmon-apricot quilled blossoms and yields an abundance of big flowers with sturdy stems. It must be grown!
Mexican zinnias: Although the plants themselves are small, from July to early fall, they produce an abundance of stems for cutting. They are more like a bedding plant than a cropping variety due to their small stature, but I believe they belong in every cutting garden.
The charming gold, cranberry, orange, and cream flowers in the “Persian Carpet Mix” (seen above) work well with these colors.
A wide variety of small bicolor flowers in the vivid, eye-catching “Aztec Sunset” combination come in tones of buttercream, gold, crimson, rust, and merlot. These dependable bloomers are a wonderful complement to the flower border’s front and the cutting garden.
Your experiences with this lovely set of plants would be greatly appreciated. Do you cultivate zinnias or do you have any plans to include them in your garden this year? If so, what kinds do you prefer or what new items are you adding to your wishlist?
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How many zinnia varieties are there?
Zinnia blooms come in four different varieties. The types are determined by the flower’s rows of petal. Many different hues, including pink, red, purple, orange, yellow, lavender, white, and even green, can be found in zinnia flowers. Blue is the only hue that is not offered in zinnia flower varieties.
Only one flower
Zinnias with a single blossom have just one row of petals. Each flower of this kind has an exposed center.
Double Semi-Flowered
This type of flower has blossoms with many rows of petals. Each flower’s exposed and discernible center is seen.
complete double flower
Fully double flowered zinnia flowers contain multiple rows of petals, and the center of each flower is covered in petals, making it difficult to see.
Flowering Cactus
The cactus’ blossoms bloomed. Long are zinnias. Each petal rolls toward the underside, causing the entire petal to twist and create a distinctive flower.
Which zinnia varieties do butterflies prefer?
Which Zinnia Varieties Are Best For Butterflies?
- Zinnia elegans, classic varieties, 24-36 “tall, many hues.
- Purple Prince Zinnia 30–40 “slender, rich pink or purple flowers.
- Cut And Come Again Zinnia Mix 18-24 “tall, various hues.
- Mardi Gras Mix of Zinnias, 18–24 “tall, white, gold, and purple flowers.
Do zinnias appeal to hummingbirds?
Hummingbirds and other pollinators love zinnias because they are among the easiest annual flowers to produce and have vibrant bloom colors. The majority of garden zinnias are cultivars of a small number of species within the Zinnia genus, particularly the common zinnia, Z. elegans. There are literally hundreds of cultivars available, and they are divided into groups based on how they grow and how they produce flowers.
Height ranges from six inches to almost four feet, and there are flowers in almost every color. When the flowers reach maturity and have finished producing nectar for the hummingbirds, they will start to produce seeds, luring finches and other seed-loving birds. Also excellent as cut flowers, zinnias.
They prefer moist soil, however in humid environments or when the foliage becomes wet when watering, they may be vulnerable to fungus diseases. Give the plants plenty of room to breathe and prevent overhead watering.
Where is the Best Place to Plant Zinnias?
Zinnias grow best in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter, whether they are grown in raised garden beds, pots, or directly in the ground.
Should You Pinch Zinnia Plants?
Pinching the young plants is the key to creating the best zinnias with the longest stalks. When plants are between 8 and 12 inches tall, cut off the top of the plant, just above a pair of leaves, with a pair of sharp garden pruners.
Should You Deadhead Zinnias?
Deadhead zinnias to prevent fading. Either remove the old blooms once they have faded or cut mature stems to utilize in fresh bouquets for the home. To extend blooming and encourage branching, deadheading and routine harvesting are crucial.
How Long Do Zinnias Bloom?
For the garden, zinnias are a popular cut flower because of how long they bloom. From late spring until the first fall frost, zinnia flowers are in bloom.
Do purple zinnias exist?
Massive purple zinnias Certainly not gigantic, but nonetheless added beauty to the landscape and attracted insects. Purple color is quite consistent, though. Owner reaction: Hi Jo, The breadth of these zinnia blossoms reaches 4-6″ under optimal circumstances. The amount of soil nutrients and plant spacing both have a significant impact on flower size.
What are zinnias from Zahara?
The annual Zahara zinnia is a plant that should be added to the landscape by gardeners looking for reliable color during the summer’s heat and drought. The powdery mildew that afflicts other zinnia cultivars is not a problem for these flowers, and they can withstand drought.
The Zahara series selections have good branching and can reach heights and widths of up to 18 inches. Its extensive branching aids in supporting its profusion of flowers. In the full sun, with good fertility and milder nighttime temperatures, they perform at their best.
Zahara zinnias are available in a variety of hues, including white and coral rose. This year, new hues include yellow and crimson. The song Starlight Rose is one of my favorites. This kind features white petals with a core that flashes a deep rose hue that can vary in intensity.
All of the options are lovely, but the double bloom options are arguably the most intriguing. While Double Fire blooms are a fiery flaming orange, Double Cherry features rich magenta blooms. The centers of these two double Zaharas brighten as the flowers develop.
Zinnia marylandica, also referred to as Zahara zinnia, should be planted in the landscape in full sun. These plants stand out for their ability to retain their blossom color even when grown in direct sunshine.
Add 3 to 4 inches of high-quality compost to the planting bed as an amendment to produce fertile, well-drained soil. Planting on bermed or raised beds promotes superior plant development and summertime flowering in many areas of Mississippi.
After planting, add 2 to 3 inches of mulch to help the soil cool and retain moisture. Although Zahara zinnia are drought-tolerant, it is still vital to water them during severe droughts to keep them healthy, vigorous, and, most importantly, to continue producing flowers. Steer clear of overhead irrigation. A better, more effective technique to keep soil moist is with soaker hoses or some kind of drip system.
Container gardening is another good fit for zahara zinnia. Plant in a peat-based potting medium and keep an eye on moisture levels because landscape beds in the ground dry out far more slowly than containers do.
At transplant, dispense a few teaspoons of slow-release fertilizer around each plant. Reapply fertilizer at the halfway point of the season, or use water-soluble fertilizer every two weeks.
Low-maintenance flowering bedding plants include zahara zinnias. When planted in the landscape on 12-inch intervals, Zahara zinnia will swiftly fill in and offer a sea of color. And one of the best things about these plants is how rarely deadheading is required.