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.
Growing Guide
Step-by-step instructions for growing Zinnia
Planting Calendar
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Sow Seeds Indoors
Sow seeds in modules around , about deep in fine compost. Keep them warm and bright, and water lightly so the compost stays just moist.
Pot On Seedlings
Pot seedlings on once they have a few true leaves, from . Move them into small pots so the roots do not get cramped, and keep them growing on in good light.
Harden Off
Harden plants off over days before planting out, from to . 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
Plant out from 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
every 2 weeksRemove fading flowers regularly from through . 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.
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