annualN. America Native

Mexican Zinnia

Zinnia haageana

The Story

Plant Bio

Zinnia haageana is an upright, branching annual herb native to Mexico, characterized by narrow, lanceolate leaves and a bushy, fine-textured growth habit. The species produces solitary flower heads measuring up to two inches across in warm bicolors of mahogany, orange, and yellow from summer until the first frost.

This species is distinguished from common garden zinnias by its superior resistance to drought and its narrower, highly mildew-tolerant foliage. The flowers frequently feature contrasting petal tips, creating a distinct concentric pattern on both single and double blooms.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces a prolific display of warm-toned, bicolored daisy-like flowers on compact, bushy plants.

Demonstrates high drought tolerance once established and resists heavy deer and rabbit browsing.

Provides nectar for native bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds throughout the summer and fall.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Annual

Height

24"

Width

12"

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

Water

Low to Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Annual

Native To

Mexico

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Summer – Fall

In flower about 6 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun with highly permeable, well-drained loamy or sandy soil.
Sow seeds directly into the soil after the final spring frost, covering them lightly with one-quarter inch of fine soil.
Thin emerging seedlings to a spacing of ten to twelve inches to ensure adequate air circulation between mature plants.
Water deeply at the soil level once or twice a week until established, avoiding overhead irrigation to minimize foliage moisture.

Pro Tip

Sow seeds only after soil temperatures have warmed thoroughly in late spring; planting in cold, wet soil stunts root development and invites damping-off fungi.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Deadhead spent flowers regularly to redirect energy into continuous bud production.
Water early in the morning at the base of the plant to allow any wet foliage to dry quickly.
Apply a light application of balanced, slow-release fertilizer at planting time.

Don't

Do not crowd plants closely, as restricted air movement significantly increases the risk of powdery mildew.
Do not over-fertilize with nitrogen, which stimulates excessive foliage growth at the expense of flower production.
Do not cut back into old, leafless woody stems when tidying the plants.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Deadhead
Fertilize
Pest Check
Plant

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Border EdgingMass PlantingCutting GardensContainer Displays

Companion Plants

Echinacea purpurea Gaillardia pulchella Salvia farinacea

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Mexican Zinnia questions

What zones can Mexican Zinnia grow in?

Mexican Zinnia is hardy in USDA Zones 4–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Mexican Zinnia deer resistant?

Yes — Mexican Zinnia is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Mexican Zinnia bloom?

Mexican Zinnia typically blooms in summer through fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Mexican Zinnia need full sun?

Mexican Zinnia does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Mexican Zinnia drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Mexican Zinnia handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.