861 saves
Zinnia
We track 21 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 21 most-saved Zinnia varieties
5 species of Zinnia
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Zinnia in Sow
Save the Zinnia you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Zinnia
Whats common across all Zinnia varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 21 most-grown of them.
The Zinnia year
- PlantMay and June95% of varieties
Sow seeds directly or transplant established seedlings after the final spring frost.
- DeadheadJuly–October95% of varieties
Lightly pinch off spent flower heads to maintain a tidy appearance and stimulate continuous blooming.
- FertilizeJune–September76% of varieties
Incorporate a light layer of compost into the soil prior to planting; avoid heavy synthetic nitrogen.
- Check for PestsJuly–September71% of varieties
Monitor foliage regularly for aphids, spider mites, and Japanese beetles.
- HarvestJuly–October57% of varieties
Cut stems when flowers are fully open for best vase life
- Pinch TipsJune and July33% of varieties
Pinch central stem when young (8-12 inches) to promote branching
Do
- Apply a balanced fertilizer monthly
- Water deeply once a week 🌱
- Water consistently to keep soil evenly moist 🌱
- Deadhead regularly for prolonged flowering
- Deadhead to prolong flowering 🌸
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Avoid overwatering which can cause root rot ❌
- Don’t forget to mulch to retain soil moisture
- Overwater to prevent root rot ❌
What goes wrong with Zinnia
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Stunted growth, curled leaves, sticky honeydew residue. | Spray with insecticidal soap or a strong jet of water. |
| Spider mites | Stippling or fine webbing on leaves, chlorotic appearance. | Increase moisture/humidity or apply miticides/insecticidal soap. |
| Spider Mites | Fine webbing and stippled leaves | Increase humidity and use miticide if necessary |
| Japanese beetles | Chewed leaves and flowers | Handpick or apply appropriate organic insecticide |
| Powdery mildew | White powder on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply fungicide if needed |
| Powdery Mildew | White powder on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply fungicide |
| Root Rot | Wilting and brown roots | Ensure well-draining soil and reduce watering |
Making more Zinnia
Cuttings
- Take 4-inch stem cuttings in late summer
- Remove lower leaves and dip in rooting hormone
- Plant in moist potting mix and keep humid for 6 weeks
Seed
- Sow seeds indoors 4 to 6 weeks before the last expected frost date using a sterile seed-starting mix.
- Maintain a temperature of 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit and keep the medium lightly moist.
- Provide bright light immediately upon germination to prevent seedlings from becoming leggy.
- Harden off seedlings gradually before transplanting them outdoors after all danger of frost has passed.
Zinnia questions
How many types of Zinnia are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 21 distinct Zinnia varieties. The most popular — ranked by 861 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Zinnia grow in?
Across its varieties, Zinnia covers USDA Zones 4–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Zinnia bloom?
Most Zinnia varieties bloom in summer to frost, mid-summer, summer to frost. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Zinnia should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.