Zinnias in Gala Park

Zinnia elegans

Zinnia
Zinnia · 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.

75 cm · Full Sun · Moderate Water

Add to garden

Calibrated to Gala Park · last frost ≈ 14 May

Sow indoors April, plant out May to June. Frost risk October to May.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Sow indoorsNoNoNoYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
Plant outNoNoNoNoYesYesNoNoNoNoNoNo

Growing guide

Step-by-step instructions for growing Zinnia

  1. 01

    Sow Seeds Indoors

    9 Apr to 23 Apr

    Sow seeds in modules around 9th April - 23rd April, about deep in fine compost. Keep them warm and bright, and water lightly so the compost stays just moist.

  2. 02

    Pot On Seedlings

    30 Apr to 14 May

    Pot seedlings on once they have a few true leaves, from 30th April. Move them into small pots so the roots do not get cramped, and keep them growing on in good light.

  3. 03

    Harden Off

    30 Apr to 14 May

    Harden plants off over 15 days before planting out, from 30th April to 14th May. Put them outside during the day at first, then bring them in at night until they cope with cooler air and brighter sun.

  4. 04

    Transplant Out

    28 May to 11 Jun

    Plant out from 28th May 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.

  5. 05

    Deadhead & Maintain

    4 Jul to 6 Oct every 2 weeks

    Remove fading flowers regularly from 4th July through 6th 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.

Zinnia guides by town

See how Zinnia timing shifts in other towns with different frost dates.