Zinnia
Zinnia elegans
Family: Asteraceae
Zinnia grows in full sun and prefers well-drained fertile soil. Water needs: Moderate.
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How to Grow Zinnia
Zinnia growing information includes sunlight requirements of Full sun, soil conditions listed as Well-drained fertile soil with a soil pH of 5.5-7.5, and Moderate water needs. The listed hardiness zones are 3-10. For propagation reference, the database lists germination or establishment information for Zinnia as 4-10 days, with planting or establishment depth listed as 1/4 inch. Days to maturity are listed as 60-75 days.
Plant Overview
Zinnia (Zinnia elegans) is listed in the Asteraceae family and categorized as a flower with an annual life cycle. This profile summarizes growing information for hardiness, light, soil, water, seed starting, maturity, and other available cultivation details. Difficulty is listed as Beginner.
- Plant ID
- PLT-0016
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Plant type
- Flower
- Life cycle
- Annual
- Growth habit
- Upright warm-season flowering annual
- Mature height
- Approximately 1-4 ft depending on cultivar
- Mature spread
- Approximately 8-18 inches
- Difficulty
- Beginner
Growing Conditions
Zinnia is listed for full sun conditions. Water needs are listed as moderate. The database soil reference is Well-drained fertile soil. The listed soil pH range is 5.5-7.5, and the listed hardiness range is 3-10.
- Hardiness zones
- 3-10
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil
- Well-drained fertile soil
- Soil pH
- 5.5-7.5
- Water needs
- Moderate
- Plant spacing
- 6-18 inches depending on cultivar
Seed & Germination
For seed starting, the listed germination time is 4-10 days and the seed depth is 1/4 inch. The listed time to maturity is 60-75 days. Use these values as general reference points and adjust for local climate, seed source, and growing conditions.
- Germination
- 4-10 days
- Germination temperature
- About 70-80°F
- Seed depth
- 1/4 inch
- Sowing method
- Direct sow after frost danger or start indoors several weeks earlier
Harvest & Propagation
- Days to maturity
- 60-75 days
- Harvest
- Cut flowers when blooms are fully developed; deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming
- Propagation
- Primarily by seed
- Pollination
- Flowers attract butterflies, bees and other pollinators
Garden Information
- Common pests
- Aphids, spider mites, Japanese beetles and caterpillars
- Uses
- Ornamental beds, borders, pollinator gardens and cut flowers
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Growing Reference Note
Plant performance can vary with climate, soil, weather, cultivar, seed quality, and gardening methods. The values on this page are general database reference ranges rather than a substitute for local extension guidance or seed-packet instructions.