ZINNIA

Pretty Chill

Black sun icon with rays on a white background

Full Sunlight

Water When Dry

Annual

Pet Safe

USDA Hardiness Zone
Zinnias can grow as annuals in zones 2 to 11.

A USDA hardiness zone map shows you the average annual extreme minimum temperature in your area. This helps you know which plants can survive there.

View Zone Map

FULL SUNLIGHT

More sun = more blooms

Zinnias are total sun-lovers! They rely on optimal sunlight to grow strong stems and bright, colorful flowers.

6 to 8 HOURS OF DIRECT SUNLIGHT DAILY

Avoid planting zinnia flowers in the shade since this can weaken their growth.

Cartoon sun character holding a flower and a potted plant with a cloud in the background.

FIND YOUR LIGHT

Take a moment to note which direction the windows face in your space. Then tap around the room below to see how the light hits throughout the day.

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SOUTH-FACING WINDOW

⊹ Highest amount of sunlight ⊹
⊹ Consistent light all day ⊹
⊹ Perfect for "full sun" plants ⊹

EAST-FACING WINDOW

⊹ Soft morning sunlight ⊹
⊹ Avoids harsh afternoon rays ⊹
⊹ Perfect for low to indirect light plants ⊹
⚠︎ May not be bright enough for "full sun" plants

WEST-FACING WINDOW

⊹ Brightest in the afternoon ⊹
⊹ Warm, golden hour glow ⊹
⊹ Great for indirect-sun lovers ⊹

⚠︎ Can overheat sensitive plants

NORTH-FACING WINDOW

⊹ No direct sunlight ⊹
⊹ Avoids harsh afternoon rays ⊹
⊹ Perfect for shade-tolerant plants ⊹

⚠︎ Can be too dim for most houseplants. If this is your only light source, consider using a grow light for your sun-loving plants!

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WATER WHEN DRY

Keep the soil evenly moist, but try not to overwater. Once the zinnia flowers are established, they are relatively drought-tolerant, so you won't have to water much.

Always try to water at the base of the plant. Overhead watering can lead to water sitting on the leaves which encourages powdery mildew to grow. Powdery mildew is very common with zinnias and it is always something to stay aware of.

LOW TO MODERATE HUMIDITY

To further prevent powdery mildew, make sure your zinnias have good air circulation. Try not to crowd them too close to each other.

The key is to give them plenty of space for air to move through them, especially if you live in a more humid climate.

Cartoon water droplet character with a watering can and flowers on a white background

SOIL

Zinnia flowers need a well-draining fertile soil.

The best store-bought option is a all purpose potting mix since it is already formulated for flowers like zinnia. Just make sure it doesn't say "moisture retention" on the bag.

If you'd like to add something to help with drainage, mix in a bit of perlite.

Looks like tiny white popcorn bits mixed into the soil. Improves drainage and prevents waterlogging.

Small white pot filled with soil and small white stones on a wooden surface

Cartoon pot with face holding a trowel, surrounded by plants and flowers on a white background

HARVESTING

AND DEADHEADING

Deadheading is the simple maintenance of removing dead flower heads from a plant to promote new growth.

By deadheading, you are preventing the zinnia flower from going to seed and completing its life cycle. Cutting away old flowers encourages the plant to keep giving you new blooms.

IDENTIFY THE PRUNING SPOT

Follow the stem of the dying flower down to a healthy set of leaves, then cut at a 45° angle. The zinnia should respond within 7 to 10 days with new flowers.

CUTTING FOR A VASE

Harvest zinnias when petals are fully open and stems feel firm.

Try the "wiggle test" before cutting: shake the individual stem from the base. If the flower stays fairly stiff, it is ready! If it is wobbling, it is still too immature to cut.

Always cut in the morning when plants are well hydrated. Zinnias will typically last 7 to 10 days in a vase.

SAVE SEEDS

Our zinnia seeds are open pollinated so you can save seeds from your blooms to replant any time.

Simply skip the deadheading step by allowing the flowers to dry out completely. Collect the dark pointed seeds from the base of the petals and store in a cool dry place until you are ready to plant again.

COMMON ISSUES

WHITE POWDER

If you see a white or gray powdery coating on the zinnia leaves, you are likely dealing with powdery mildew.

Remove affected leaves as soon as you spot them to prevent it from spreading.

Try to keep zinnia leaves dry and out of direct moisture. Only water at the base of the plant, ensuring its leaves do not get wet.

Provide better air circulation by not crowding zinnia flowers. Cut away some flowers if need to be allow for better airflow.

LEGGY

A definite sign of not enough sunlight.

If you notice zinnia looking leggy, weak and not producing blooms, it's time to move it to a brighter spot. Remember this plant is happiest in full sunlight.

FEWER BLOOMS

If your zinnia had lots of blooms early on and is now slowing down, it is likely it has gone to seed.

Deadhead more regularly to encourage more blooms throughout the season.