LIFE CYCLE:
Annual
LIGHT REQUIREMENT:
Full Sun
PLANTING SEASON:
Spring
COLOR:
Purple
PLANT HEIGHT:
30 inches
PLANT SPACING:
6 inches
PLANTING DEPTH:
1/4 inch
SOWING METHOD:
Start Indoors, Direct Sow
WATER NEEDS:
Average
COLD STRATIFICATION:
No
HARDINESS ZONES:
3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
SHIPS:
Year Round
PLANT TYPE:
upright and tall with large flower

FEATURES:
Open Pollinated, Attracts Pollinators, Attracts Hummingbirds, 
Cut Flower Garden, Deer Resistant, Easy to Grow & Maintain, 
Fast Growing
BLOOMS:
Summer

WHEN TO PLANT ZINNIA SEEDS
Zinnias are best started directly outdoors in locations where 
spring warms up early. Keep in mind that Zinnias are native 
to Mexico, where they have become accustomed to long, hot 
summers. They are classed as tender annuals and can be directly 
sown into the garden after all danger of frost is over and 
daytime temps are at least 50F and above. In cooler climates, 
start seeds indoors 4 to 6 weeks before your area’s average 
last-frost date. Harden off the plants by vacationing trays 
outside for a few hours per day before planting them in 
your garden.

Turn over the soil in the area you want to plant your zinnias 
and work in 2 or 3 inches of compost or peat moss to help 
improve soil fertility and drainage. Plant the seeds only 
about ¼” – ½” deep and you should see seedlings sprout in 
four to seven days. Once the seedlings reach about 3” tall, 
thin them to maximize air circulation, and prevent powdery 
mildew. The dwarf varieties, reaching a height of 1 to 1 ½ 
feet, should be planted or thinned to about 9” apart, while 
the taller 3-feet varieties should be spaced about 1 foot apart.

If starting your zinnias indoors, fill up your pots with organic 
potting mix. Saturate the potting mix with water and then place 
two zinnia seeds into each planting cell or pot. Press into the 
soil for good seed-to-soil contact and then cover with 
approximately ½” of the potting mix.

Place your zinnias in an area that will receive plenty of warmth 
(65-70F) and light. Keep your zinnia seeds moistened, checking on 
them every day or two. Expect to see germination in about 7 to 10 
days. Once your seedlings reach about 2 ½ - 3” tall, they are 
ready to be transplanted outdoors.

Zinnias may be transplanted with ease, as it is possible to move 
the plants when they are in full flower! Although they thrive 
best in full sun, they will also endure partial shade.

HOW TO CARE FOR ZINNIAS
Water the area of your zinnia plants carefully, do not get the stems 
or leaves wet since zinnias are prone to mildew. Keep your zinnia 
garden lightly moistened, and let the area dry out between watering. 
The beauty of zinnias is that you can spend your attention elsewhere 
while they bloom profusely summer to autumn.