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Freeport Gardening Guide: Zinnias

This is a how to guide to help anyone get started in gardening.

Zinnias

Zinnia Seeds, Macarenia:

Description: (Zinnia elegans). Ravishing flowers that resemble crimson velvet laced with gold! Large dahlia-flowered double blooms are two-toned with gold and red. Plants are just a bit compact, and the generous yield of blooms makes this an especially good variety for cut flowers. And if it’s a trifle gaudy, well, that’s just how we like our zinnias to be!

Macarenia Zinnia in a pot with white background.

Zinnia Seeds, Aztec Burgundy Bicolor:

Description: (Zinnia haageana). This bold zinnia weaves a tapestry of color with its stunning bicolored petals. It can be characterized as a compact plant with petite blooms. Plants reach 12-18 inches tall and produce tons of 1.5-inch, double-petaled blooms. Stunning in containers, borders, as well as in beds. These diminutive flowers also look fantastic in small arrangements.

A close-up view of Aztec Burgundy Bicolor Zinnia blooms.

Zinnia Seeds, Aztec Sunset:

Description: (Zinnia haageana). Dazzling 2-inch blooms with a mix of single and double petals in shades of cream, lemon, gold, and burgundy. This charming, compact zinnia has handily won the prestigious Fleuroselect Gold Medal with its rugged habit and mix of double- and single-petaled blooms in a rich palette. Plants display a strong resistance to mildew. The strong, sturdy stems and tidy 24-inch habit make it a popular choice for the home garden or cut flower farmer.

An arrangement of Aztec Sunset Zinnias in a copper vase on wood background.

Zinnia Seeds, Benary's Giant Coral:

Description: (Zinnia elegans). This zinnia is simply a sensation with its radiant coral-pink blooms that bring a delightful glow to any garden. The flowers, measuring 4-5 inches across, are adorned with opulent double petals. Benary’s zinnias are of the highest caliber, showcasing blooms that are grander, more consistent, and altogether splendid. A classic treasure from Benary Seeds, a prestigious firm founded by Ernst Benary in Erfurt, Germany, in 1843.

Benary's Giant Coral Zinnia flowers arranged on light background.

Zinnia Seeds, Benary's Giant Deep Red:

Description: (Zinnia elegans). This zinnia is a real showstopper with its deep blood-red blooms that reach 4-5” across and come packed with double petals. Benary’s zinnias are top-notch, with flowers that are bigger, more uniform, and just plain stunning. A classic zinnia from Benary Seeds, a renowned company founded by Ernst Benary in Erfurt, Germany, in 1843.

A detailed macro perspective of a single Benary's Giant Deep Red Zinnia bloom on a white background.

Zinnia Seeds, Benary's Giant Orange:

Description: (Zinnia elegans). Captivating with its vibrant tangerine blooms, this zinnia measures 4-5 inches across and is adorned with exquisite double petals. Benary’s zinnias are distinguished by their larger, more uniform, and truly spectacular flowers. A classic choice from Benary Seeds, a prestigious company founded by Ernst Benary in Erfurt, Germany, in 1843.

An arrangement of Benary's Giant Orange Zinnias in an orange bowl on a white background.

Zinnia Seeds, Canary Bird:

Description: (Zinnia elegans). This heirloom variety offers large dahlia-type blooms. They are a beautiful yellow, 4-5" across. Great cut flowers for home or farm markets— definitely an old favorite.

Canary Bird Zinnia bouquet being held in garden.

Zinnia Seeds, Exquisite:

Description: (Zinnia elegans). Aptly named, this variety is nothing short of exquisite. Petals burst forth with ruby red tones, gracefully aging to a subtle rose blush. Expect an extra-long harvest period from this hard-working variety. Plants are sturdy and tall, ready to withstand a long season.

A close-up macro view of Exquisite Ziniias.

Zinnia Seeds, Lila Cactus:

Description: (Zinnia elegans). Utterly gorgeous! These gargantuan, 4- to 6-inch, lilac-colored blooms have unique quilled petals. A superb selection for cutting, the long, sturdy stems reach 2 to 2.5 feet tall. Lila cactus adds elegance to fine floral arrangements and attracts pollinators to the garden by the droves.

Lila Cactus Zinnias arranged on white background.

Zinnia Seeds, Mazurkia:

Description: (Zinnia elegans). Each scarlet petal is tipped in cream, and both are set off by circular golden tracery at each flower’s heart. Sumptuous! Dahlia-type flowers, large bloom size, robust plants: what more could a zinnia connoisseur ask for?

Several Zinnia, Mazurkia flowers on a gray background.

Zinnia Seeds, Oklahoma Carmine:

Description: (Zinnia elegans). These carmine-violet pompom zinnias are perfect for cut flowers, with 2.5” blooms that range from semi-double to quadruple. Hardy and exceptional in any garden, they come from the renowned Benary Seeds of Germany.

A close-up side view of a single Oklahoma Carmine Zinnia flower on a white background.

Zinnia Seeds, Oklahoma Golden Yellow:

Description: (Zinnia elegans). These glowing, golden-yellow zinnias are far out, with blooms so packed with petals they look almost unreal. The 2.5-inch flower keeps the good vibes flowing, all thanks to Benary Seeds from Germany.

A profile view of a single Oklahoma Golden Yellow Zinnia flower on a light background.

Zinnia Seeds, Oklahoma Pink:

Description: (Zinnia elegans). Think pink with these pastel pink beauties, packed with petals so dense they look almost unreal. The 2.5-inch blooms are produced prolifically on hardy plants—pinker than a panther and perfectly puffed!

An arrangement of Oklahoma Pink Zinnias on a white background.

Zinnia Seeds, Oklahoma Salmon:

Description: (Zinnia elegans). These salmon-sunset-shaded zinnias will surely be the envy of the neighborhood. With their pastel pompom blooms measuring 2.5 inches across and ranging from semi-double to uber-double, they bring a charming retro hue to any garden or home. Hardy and exceptional. From the renowned Benary Seeds of Germany.

An arrangement of Oklahoma Salmon Zinnia flowers surrounded by bloooms on a white background.

Zinnia Seeds, Oklahoma Scarlet:

Description: (Zinnia elegans). These scarlet red pompom beauties are ideal for cut flowers, offering 2.5” blooms that range from semi-double to fully double, and even triple or quadruple. Truly a marvel of nature, these hardy flowers excel in virtually any garden. Sourced from the esteemed Benary Seeds of Germany.

Oklahoma Zinnia

Zinnia Seeds, Oklahoma White:

Description: (Zinnia elegans). We adore these charming white snowballs of the garden! The 2.5” blooms range from semi-double to quadruple. Sources from the renowned Benary Seeds of Germany. Amazing!

A profile view of single Oklahoma White Zinnia bloom on a light background.

Zinnia Seeds, Orange Cactus:

Description: (Zinnia elegans). These extra-large cactus flowered blooms glow with a unique tangerine tone. Cactus-flowering zinnias are characterized by slender, slightly recurved petals. Plants reach 2 to 3 feet tall and blooms are an impressive 4 to 6 inches across. A radiant pollinator attractor and splendid in the cut garden or landscape!

A floral arrangement of Orange Cactus Zinnias in an orange and white pitcher on a white background.

Zinnia Seeds, Orange King:

Description: (Zinnia elegans). These plants are tall and produce big, bright mandarin-orange flowers. A stunning color that really makes a bold statement in any garden.

Orange King - Zinnia

Zinnia Seeds, Peppermint Stick:

Description: (Zinnia elegans). These fantastic blooms were all the rage in the atomic age, mid-century America. We are so excited to be able to offer this streaked, striped and speckled beauty that produces loads of color over a long season. The medium-sized flowers are either cream or yellow and are splashed in the brightest cherry red. Fun and unique to grow. Some plants may produce only solid-colored blooms.

A woman holding a bouquet of multi-colored Peppermint Sticks Zinnias in the trial garden at Baker Creek.

Zinnia Seeds, Persian Carpet:

Description: (Zinnia haageana). Stunning gold, red, chocolate, orange, and cream. Many of the 2" double flowers are bi-colored. This brilliant heirloom was a 1952 AAS winner and is still a favorite of many. The plants produce loads of stunning flowers.

Zinnia, Persian Carpet flower heads closeup on white background

Zinnia Seeds, Peruviana:

Description: (Zinnia peruviana). Lovely and charming orange little flowers The Peruviana zinnia is a native wildflower of South America. This simple yet stunning annual flower reaches 2' and will attract tons of pollinators to your beds, borders, containers, and wildflower meadows!

Peruviana Zinnia in a red mug

Zinnia Seeds, Pink Senorita:

Description: (Zinnia elegans). This heirloom zinnia is a hit in butterfly gardens. Enormous cactus-type blooms are often fully double, making them superb for cut flower use. A sophisticated range of the best pink zinnias have to offer, from salmon to cherry.

Pink Senorita Zinnia in a vase on blue background.

Zinnia Seeds, Polar Bear:

Description: (Zinnia elegans). This white dahlia-type zinnia has very large blooms that are quite magnificent looking. The large, double flowers can reach 4 inches in diameter. A pretty bloom that's a must for bouquets!

Hand holding Polar Bear - Zinnia

Zinnia Seeds, Purple Prince:

Description: (Zinnia elegans). This dahlia-flowered type is one of the tallest we’ve seen! The blooms are extra large and brilliant amethyst-purple with pale green centers. Wonderful for cut flowers and a lavish display in the garden, especially planted en masse. Beloved in gardens since 1949. Fabulous!

Purple Prince Zinnia

Zinnia Seeds, Queen Lime:

Description: (Zinnia elegans). Brilliant apple-green companion to the other "Queens" and stunning when paired with them, either in the bed or border, or in the vase! These dahlia-type blooms are incredibly double and tightly packed with brilliant green petals. Large plants are believed to be sturdier and more robust than "Envy," our previous favorite for green-flowered zinnias.

Zinnia Queen Lime flower head closeup.

Zinnia Seeds, Queen Lime Blush:

Description: (Zinnia elegans). We just can’t get enough of these vibrant, dahlia-flowered beauties! Large 3" blooms display an incredible lime green to red-ombre with red centers. Stems reach 25" tall, and the plants remain sturdy. These make an extra long-lasting cut flower. The butterflies seemed to especially appreciate this variety! Amazing!

Queen Lime Blush Zinnia bouquet

Zinnia Seeds, Queen Lime Orange:

Description: (Zinnia elegans). We are enamored with this 2018 All-America Selection! The perfect 2-3.5" blooms transform from coral sunset to peach sorbet with a hint of minty green at the center. This dynamic new heirloom has been selected for its splendid colors as well as a sturdy compact habit. Plants stand 28-32" tall, with strong stems perfect for cutting, arranging, and holding up in the landscape. With exceptionally long vase life, these are known to stay perky for up to 3 weeks!

Queen Lime Orange Zinnia bouquet held by hand.

Zinnia Seeds, Queen Lime Red:

Description: (Zinnia elegans). This large-flowered, dahlia-type zinnia combines ruby tones with apple green, and the result is sophisticated ethereal loveliness! The flowers are very double, blooming all season long on productive, full-sized zinnia plants that grow up to 3’ tall.

Queen Lime Red Zinnia flower closeup.

Zinnia Seeds, Queeny Lemon Peach:

Description: (Zinnia elegans). Cheerful and hardy, the lemon-colored petals reverse fade to a soft coral for a stunning transition. Blooms reach 2 to 4 inches across with a peach-colored eye and plants stand 1.5 to 2 feet tall, absolutely ideal for cut flower production. The judges of the 2022 All-America Selection lauded this very easy-to-grow variety for its heat tolerance, consistent colors and long-season blooming.

A bunch of Zinnia, Queeny Lemon Peach flowers on a wooden board.

Zinnia Seeds, Queeny Pure Orange:

Description: (Zinnia elegans). Shades from apricot to tangerine make these a stunner in the garden and a perfect accent color for floral design. Blooms are 2-3 inches across and one of the brightest zinnias that you can grow, absolutely saturated with color! This vigorous new heirloom produces oodles of shimmering tangerine blooms for your gardening pleasure.

Three Zinnia, Queeny Pure Orange flowers are seen from the top.

Zinnia Seeds, Redman Super Cactus:

Description: (Zinnia elegans). Magnificent, huge red-flowered variety of the giant cactus-type zinnia family. These flowers are stately, being a deep red and having pointed cactus-type petals. An old favorite that has now become rare.

Hands holding three Zinnia, Redman Super Cactus flowers.

Zinnia Seeds, Salsa Mix:

Description: (Zinnia hybrida). A cheerful mix of dainty, single-petaled blooms. Shades of vermillion, rose, cerise, lemon, and tangerine will attract tons of pollinators to any bed, border, or container where they are planted.

An arrangement of Salsa Mix Zinnias in a ceramic vase against a deep blue background.

Zinnia Seeds, Scabiosa:

Description: (Zinnia elegans). A vibrant mix of summery colors in cupcake flower form. These scabiosa-type zinnias are extra fun with frilly pompom tops. The blooms add a different texture to arrangements. Brighten the border with these easy-to-grow zinnias. It will also produce some single blooms, like all double types.

Zinnia, Scabiosa bunch on Wood Deck boards

Zinnia Seeds, Takii's Choice Mix:

Description: (Zinnia elegans). A charming Japanese mix of large-headed, cactus, and dahlia-style zinnias in a range of choice colors. A select mix from the historic Takii Seeds of Japan, this open-pollinated selection is reliable, prolific, and wildly colorful. It is super easy to grow and attractive to pollinators.

Zinnia, Takii's Choice Mix in a blue metal pitcher on a wooden table.

Zinnia Seeds, Will Rogers:

Description: (Zinnia elegans). This variety is named after the famous American entertainer Will Rogers. It produces stunning big red flowers that really stand out! The blooms are bold and fully double.

Will Rogers Zinnia

Zinnia Seeds, Zinderella Fizz:

Description: (Zinnia elegans) This Fleuroselect Novelty Award winner for 2024 has spectacular blooms of ruby rose and white with lacy crests and dark eyes. This scabiosa-type zinnia produces a mix of double, semi-double, and single flowers, adding a unique touch to any garden! Heat and drought tolerant, deer resistant, and well branching, the plants put on a spectacular show over a long season.

Zinderella Fizz Zinnias arranged in a light pink pitcher on a white background.

Zinnia Seeds, Zinderella Zest:

Description: (Zinnia elegans). Blazing double blooms in the color of molten hot magma! Plants stand 2 to 2.5 feet tall and are covered in 2 to 3-inch fluffy-headed blooms, creating a bed of burning embers. A perfect choice for cut flower gardens as well as for containers, beds, and borders.

A floral arrangement of the Zinderella Zest Zinnia Mix on a high key background.