Zinnias are some of the easiest and most rewarding flowers you can grow. Known for their bold colors—like red, pink, yellow, orange, and purple—these cheerful annuals brighten up gardens across many climates. Whether you grow them in containers, borders, or tucked among your vegetables, zinnias are a showstopper.
They bloom quickly, thrive in full sun, and make great cut flowers that last up to a week in a vase. Even better, zinnias attract butterflies and other helpful pollinators.
Meet the Zinnia
- Family: Asteraceae (daisy family)
- Common Name: Zinnia
- Native To: North and Central America
- Size: From 6 inches to 4 feet tall, depending on the variety
- Sunlight: Full sun is best
- Water Needs: Low once established
Growing Zinnias
Zinnias grow fast and don’t need much fuss. You can start them from seed or pick up young plants at a nursery.
If growing from seed, sow directly in the ground after the danger of frost has passed. Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Plant seeds about ¼ inch deep and keep the soil moist until they sprout—usually in about a week.
To prevent issues like powdery mildew, avoid wetting the leaves during watering. Pinching back the plants encourages bushier growth, while removing spent blooms prolongs flowering.
For the best results, consider spacing zinnia plants about 6 to 18 inches apart, depending on the variety. This spacing allows for proper air circulation, which helps prevent fungal diseases.
Adding a layer of mulch around the base of the plants can help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds, further contributing to healthy growth.
Popular Zinnia Varieties
With countless options available, gardeners can find the perfect zinnia to match their personal style and garden space. Some popular varieties include:
Benary’s Giant
This classic variety is renowned for its enormous, densely packed blooms in a rainbow of colors. Perfect for creating a bold statement in the garden or as a stunning cut flower.
Benary’s Giant’s blooms are truly giant at up to 6″. Blooms are densely petaled, very long-lasting, and hold up well despite rain and summer’s heat.
Flower beds come alive as butterflies and other pollinators come to visit these vibrant flowers.
Zinnias are edible, but have little flavor. The colorful flowers can make a pretty garnish to salads, desserts, cold drinks, or serving trays.
The Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers named ‘Benary’s Giant’ series their very first Cut Flower of the Year in 1999.
Thumbelina Zinnias
Thumbelina zinnias are a dwarf variety, perfect for containers and small garden spaces.
These compact plants grow to about 6 inches tall and produce a profusion of small, 1 to 2-inch blooms in vibrant colors like red, pink, yellow, and orange.
They are ideal for edging, borders, and window boxes, providing continuous color throughout the summer.
Zahara Zinnias
Zahara zinnias are a hybrid variety known for their exceptional disease resistance and heat tolerance.
They produce a multitude of 2 to 3-inch blooms in colors such as red, pink, yellow, and white.
These zinnias are low-maintenance and thrive in hot, humid climates, making them a favorite for gardeners in challenging growing conditions.
Zahara zinnias typically grow to about 12 to 18 inches tall.
Profusion Zinnias
Profusion zinnias are another hybrid variety celebrated for their prolific blooming and compact growth habit. These zinnias produce masses of 2-inch flowers in shades of orange, pink, red, and white.
They are resistant to mildew and other common zinnia diseases, making them a reliable choice for gardeners.
Profusion zinnias grow to about 12 to 18 inches tall and are perfect for borders, containers, and mass plantings.
State Fair Zinnias
State Fair zinnias are known for their large, vibrant blooms that can reach up to 5 inches in diameter.
This variety produces flowers in a wide array of colors, including red, yellow, orange, pink, and white.
State Fair zinnias are tall, growing up to 4 feet, and are excellent for the back of garden beds and cut flower arrangements.
Their robust growth and eye-catching blooms make them a showstopper in any garden.
Oklahoma Zinnias
Oklahoma zinnias are a delightful variety known for their vibrant colors, uniform blooms, and exceptional durability.
They produce double and semi-double blooms about 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter, with a charming, rounded shape. This variety comes in a range of bright colors, including pink, red, white, yellow, salmon, and gold, making them perfect for mixed flower beds and colorful garden displays.
Oklahoma zinnias are medium-sized, typically growing to a height of 30 to 40 inches, making them suitable for both the middle and back of garden borders, as well as for cutting gardens.
Additionally, Oklahoma zinnias have good resistance to common zinnia diseases such as powdery mildew, making them a reliable choice for gardeners seeking low-maintenance, high-performing flowers.
Maintenance Tips
Zinnias are not known for their fragrance but are grown for their bright, colorful blooms. Pinching back the plants encourages bushier growth, while removing spent blooms (deadheading) prolongs flowering.
Regular deadheading and removing spent flowers encourage continuous blooming.
In addition to deadheading, fertilizing zinnias can promote healthy growth and abundant blooms. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 4 to 6 weeks during the growing season.
Ensure that the soil remains slightly moist but not waterlogged, as overly wet conditions can lead to root rot.
Pests and Problems
While zinnias are generally easy to grow, they can encounter a few pests and diseases.
Aphids and mites can be problematic, causing damage to the foliage.
Japanese beetles can also pose a threat.
Zinnia plants are especially susceptible to a fungal disease known as powdery mildew. Powdery mildew can affect zinnias by causing a white to grayish powdery growth on the leaves, stems, and sometimes flowers.
Severe infections can lead to stunted growth, leaf yellowing, premature leaf drop, and overall reduced plant vigor. If not managed, powdery mildew can spread quickly, affecting the aesthetic appeal and health of zinnias in the garden.
To manage powdery mildew, clip affected plant parts and apply a fungicide containing neem oil. Regular monitoring and prompt action can help prevent these issues from spreading.
Introduce beneficial insects, like ladybugs and lacewings, which prey on aphids and mites. For Japanese beetles, handpicking and using beetle traps can reduce their numbers.
Keeping the garden clean and free of debris also minimizes pest habitats.
Zinnias for All Seasons
Zinnias grow best in warm weather. In cooler zones, plant them after the last frost for summer blooms. In warmer regions, you might enjoy zinnias for a longer season—sometimes even year-round.
Wherever you live, give them at least six hours of sun each day. In very hot places, a bit of afternoon shade can help. Regular watering and deadheading will keep them blooming all season long.
In Summary
Zinnias are colorful, tough, and easy to grow—perfect for gardeners of all levels. Their wide range of heights, colors, and flower shapes means there’s a variety for every space. Whether you’re filling a flowerbed, a patio pot, or a cutting garden, zinnias deliver vibrant blooms with minimal effort.
Add a packet of zinnia seeds to your next garden plan—you won’t be disappointed.
Bonus Content
At the end of most of my posts, I’ll include links to other articles I’ve written that relate to this topic (if available), so you can explore more helpful tips and ideas.
You’ll also find affiliate links for Amazon or Botanical Interests to help you find the tools and seeds you need.
Thimble & Tansy participates in several affiliate marketing programs. This means that if you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. These commissions help support the maintenance of the blog and allow us to continue creating content for our readers.
To make your homemade journey even more rewarding, I’ll share a freebie or two each month, whether it’s a printable guide, checklist, or another resource to keep you inspired.
Finally, I’ll list the resources I used to create this blog for those who want to learn more.
Affiliate Links
Did you know that Botanical Interests sells 19 different seed mixtures of zinnias? From Senora to Fireball Blend and Key Lime Pie Blend to Benary’s Giant, there is a packet of zinnia seeds for you! It’s not too late to grow zinnias! Click here to go to Botanical Interests now!
Freebie
I hunted high and low for a free zinnia-themed quilt or cross-stitch pattern but came up empty—at least for freebies. I did find some charming designs, but they all came with a price tag. Just when I was about to give up, I stumbled across a delightful vintage flower garden quilt pattern, and guess what? Flower #23 is the zinnia! The entire pattern is free, and each flower looks like it would stitch up quickly—perfect for a weekend project or a little daily stitch-along. Looks like I’ve just added another project to my growing list!
Additional Resources:
- Ask IFAS: Zinnia spp Zinnia
- Gardening Know How: Zinnia Care – How to Grow Zinnia Flowers
- The Spruce: How to Plant and Care for Zinnias
- University of Florida – IFAS Extension: Zinnia