Growing Colorful Zinnia Flowers In Your Garden

Yellow, pink, and red zinnia flowers

 

Beautiful Flowers & Easy To Grow

Grow zinnia flowers for colorful garden beds and summer bouquets. Compare varieties by flower form, color and mature size, then follow the seed packet for planting guidance.

Where Do Zinnia Flowers Come From?

Zinnias are native to Mexico and Central America, and they have been cultivated in those regions for centuries. They are generally grown as annuals, although they may reseed where conditions allow. Zinnias can perform well in many well-drained soils when they receive full sun. Gardeners can also choose from a variety of flower forms, including cactus-flowered and traditional daisy-like types.

Varieties and Colors

Zinnia flowers come in a wide range of colors, from pale pastels to rich jewel tones. Our most popular varieties include:

We also have organic and non-GMO seed varieties, that produce equally stunning flowers:

No matter what your favorite color is, you’re sure to find a zinnia that will brighten up your garden.

Growing Zinnia Flowers

Zinnia flowers are a bright and cheerful addition to any garden, and they're easy to grow from seed. Start zinnia seeds indoors about six weeks before the last frost date in your area. Plant the seeds in individual pots filled with soil, and water them well. Keep the soil moist but not wet, and keep the pots in a warm spot until the seeds sprout. Once the seedlings are big enough to handle, transplant them into your garden. Zinnias prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Pinch back the tips of the plants to encourage bushier growth, and deadhead spent flowers to prolong blooming. With a little care, you can enjoy beautiful zinnias all summer long.

Zinnias Attract Many Pollinators To Your Garden

Zinnias attract pollinators, including butterflies. Choose varieties that provide accessible pollen and nectar; flower form and nectar availability vary by cultivar. Check the seed packet when planting for pollinators.

Perfect and Popular Cut Flowers for Bouquets

Cut flowers with clean, sharp scissors and place them in a clean vase of fresh water. Change the water every two days. If you use a commercial flower preservative, follow its directions.

Watch for Powdery Mildew

Check foliage for white, powdery patches. Give plants room for air circulation, choose resistant varieties where available and follow the packet’s spacing guidance.

See University of Minnesota Extension’s zinnia guide for more growing and cut-flower advice.

We have many types of zinnia seeds for sale. Please see our Resource Center for additional tips and recommendations on growing flower bulbs.

Place this flower in the seed plan

Use the How to Grow Flowers from Seed guide to compare annuals, perennials, indoor starting, direct sowing, and species-specific pretreatments. Review packet directions before sowing, then browse current options in flower seeds.

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