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Zinnia

Cut Flower Care Guide

Zinnias are fast-growing, heat-loving annual cut flowers that produce abundantly from midsummer to frost. Direct-sow seeds after last frost for the easiest, most productive results. They are among the best cut flowers for beginners and a staple of any cut flower farm — prolific, colorful, and long-lasting in the vase.

🌱 Planting Guide

When to Plant Direct sow after last frost when soil is consistently above 70°F (21°C). Succession plant every 2–3 weeks for continuous harvest.

Planting Depth 1/4 inch deep

Spacing 9–12 inches between plants for cut flower production; 24–36 inches between rows

Soil Well-drained, fertile soil, pH 5.5–7.5. Zinnias tolerate a range of soils but perform best in rich loam.

Sunlight Full sun — minimum 6 hours, thrives in hot conditions

💡 Tips

Direct sowing outperforms transplanting — zinnias dislike root disturbance
Succession sow every 2–3 weeks from last frost through midsummer for continuous blooms
Benary's Giant, Oklahoma, and Queen series are top cut flower varieties
Pinch seedlings when they have 3–4 sets of true leaves to encourage branching
Use netting (one layer at 12 inches) to keep stems straight

📅 Month-by-Month Care Calendar

Jan

Order seeds — popular cut flower varieties sell out. Plan succession planting schedule.

Feb

Finalize seed orders. Prepare planting maps for summer successions.

Mar

Prepare beds with compost and amendments. Order drip irrigation supplies.

Apr

Start first indoor sowing 4 weeks before transplant date (optional). Prepare outdoor beds.

May

Direct sow first succession after last frost. Install support netting.

Jun

Sow second succession. Pinch first planting. Begin watering and feeding schedule.

Jul

Begin harvesting first planting. Sow third succession. Scout for powdery mildew.

Aug

Peak harvest. Continue succession sowing through mid-month. Deadhead religiously.

Sep

Continue harvesting. Final successions still producing. Save seeds from best blooms.

Oct

Harvest continues until frost. Pull spent plants after killing frost. Clean up.

Nov

Clear beds. Compost healthy plant material (not diseased). Record notes.

Dec

Review season. Plan next year's varieties and succession schedule.