Zinnias in Barnston
Zinnia elegans
Half-hardy annual grown for bright summer flowers. In the UK, start it under cover or sow outside after frost risk has passed, then plant out in a sunny, sheltered spot with free-draining soil.
Growing Guide
Step-by-step instructions for growing Zinnia
Planting Calendar
Sow Seeds Indoors
12 Mar – 26 MarSow seeds in modules around 12th March - 26th March, about deep in fine compost. Keep them warm and bright, and water lightly so the compost stays just moist.
Pot On Seedlings
2 Apr – 16 AprPot seedlings on once they have a few true leaves, from 2nd April. Move them into small pots so the roots do not get cramped, and keep them growing on in good light.
Harden Off
2 Apr – 16 AprHarden plants off over 15 days before planting out, from 2nd April to 16th April. Put them outside during the day at first, then bring them in at night until they cope with cooler air and brighter sun.
Transplant Out
30 Apr – 14 MayPlant out from 30th April into fertile, free-draining soil in full sun, spacing plants apart. Water in thoroughly straight away, then protect young plants from cold nights and slugs if needed.
Deadhead & Maintain
6 Jun – 22 Octevery 2 weeksRemove fading flowers regularly from 6th June through 22nd October. Deadheading stops the plant setting seed and keeps it producing new blooms right through to the autumn frosts.
Companion Plants
Tap a plant to see why it works (or doesn't) with Zinnia.
Good companions
Plants to avoid
Why companion planting matters
Companion planting can deter pests, improve pollination, and make better use of space. Some plants confuse pests or attract beneficial insects; others improve soil or offer shade to neighbours that need it.
Suggested Varieties
Popular varieties of Zinnia to consider
Benary's Giant
Large, fully double flowers on tall plants, good for cutting.
Oklahoma
Compact, uniform plants with strong stems and clean flower heads.
Dreamland
Dwarf bedding type with a neat habit and a long flowering season.
Profusion
Bushy, reliable garden zinnia with good disease tolerance and plenty of colour.
Related Plants
Explore similar plants you might like
Basil
Basil is a fragrant, tender herb whose leaves are a staple of summer cooking. Native to tropical regions, basil is treated as an annual in temperate climates like the UK because it cannot tolerate frost. It thrives in warm, sunny conditions and can be grown in garden beds or pots for a steady supply of fresh, flavourful leaves throughout the summer.
Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are a hardy winter brassica (cabbage family) that form sturdy, leafy stems often around 60–90cm tall. They produce edible mini-cabbage buds along the stem from autumn through winter. Thanks to their cold tolerance, sprouts remain productive into late winter, and frost actually improves their sweetness.
Calabrese
Calabrese (broccoli) produces a large central head of tightly-packed green buds, followed by smaller side-shoots after the main head is cut. It’s a cool-season brassica crop. Grow it in full sun with fertile, well-drained soil and keep plants watered during dry spells. Harvest the heads while firm, then leave the stem in the ground to allow side-shoots to develop.
Also in nearby towns
See how Zinnia timing shifts in other towns with different frost dates.