Dahlias are glorious flowers to have in the garden but goodness, they’re quite a faff – and these zinnias look just as fabulous and they couldn’t be easier to grow. Sow zinnias directly in the ground where they’re to grow and in two months’ time, you’ll have drifts of cut-and-come-again blooms that last till the first frost. But the best bit? Whatever type of dahlia you adore, there's a zinnia variety to match. Get cracking now in June, and your garden will be awash with dahlia-like flowers all through September and October.

I’ve been growing dahlias for a decade, as I love to raise my own cut flowers, and I’m gradually switching over to raising zinnias instead. The problem with dahlias is that they grow from tubers – potato-like storage roots – that turn to mush when the ground freezes. So unless you’re prepared to dig up, dry and store those dahlia tubers over winter, then replant them in spring, they won’t survive unless you live in a zone that doesn’t freeze over. But grow dahlias in those warmer zones and you’ll find they don’t cope well with the intense summer heat, and blooming often stalls.

As a self-confessed lazy gardener, I only grow plants that practically look after themselves, and reward me well for minimal effort. And in the early days, when I was still bowled over by the intricate beauty of their blooms, dahlias made the grade. But since I discovered these dahlia-like zinnias that bring double the blooms for a fraction of the faff, I’m making the switch. And honestly, this is a no-brainer, and you should too.

Zinnias are annuals so you simply sow them every year directly where they're to grow, which means you can try out new varieties each year. They’re suitable for all zones, and cope so well with both heat and drought in pots as well as the ground. These fast-growing plants bloom in weeks for quick summer color, and will bring you armfuls of flowers. Surely for the cost of a packet of seeds that's worth trying so you can see for yourself why you be growing zinnias instead of dahlias? Yep, and these are the most dahlia-like zinnias to grow this summer.

1. Best for Pollinators: Zinnia Fruit Smoothie

Dahlias may be beautiful, but most aren't the best blooms for pollinators because their nectar is often inaccessible below tight ruffles of petals. Most zinnias, however, are excellent for pollinators. Fruit Smoothie belongs to the Zinnia elegans clan, which means it has a bushy habit and flowers on long stems, so you get plenty of blooms from a single plant. While flowers still have lots of petals, their open structure means the rich nectar is readily accessed. Grow it and you can expect bees, butterflies and hummingbirds to be regular visitors.

Continuously flowering from mid-summer, as long as you keep deadheading fading blooms, zinnias provide a sustained food source late into the season when many other flowers have gone to seed, too. Fruit Smoothie mixes orange and purple tones, with 3-inch flowers that are particularly heat-tolerant on 3-foot stems. Pinch out the main growing tip – and there are many expert tricks to get more flowers – and you’ll force the plant to grow lots more blooms all summer long to keep your garden pollinators well fed.

2. Best for Huge Blooms: Zinnia Benary’s Giant Mix

Oh my! These vibrant flowers grow to five inches across atop 4-foot-high stems, so you can expect a dazzling display that’ll turn heads. The Benary Giant series includes red, orange, salmon, yellow, purple and lime, and this seed blend includes some of each. Pollinators love them – it's a favorite for monarch butterflies – and you will too.

Although Benary’s Giant is in the Zinnia elegans tribe, it was bred for the commercial cut flower industry so grows up rather than out. Though stems are super-sturdy, it’s best to support plants properly as those huge blooms makes stems top heavy and easily toppled by strong winds or heavy rain. The best way is to push bamboo canes into the ground and create a criss-cross of twine between them, so stems can still move.

3. Best for Cut Flowers: Zinnia Cut-and-Come-Again Mix

Not a specific variety but a commercial blend of cultivars that flower particularly profusely so the more blooms you cut, the more you get. Every time you snip a stem from this Zinnia elegans blend, you encourage side shoots to grow, so the plant grows bushier, with ever-more flower stems. So this is a must-have zinnia mix for a cutting garden.

In a wide range of colors through white, yellow, orange, red and pink, Zinnia Cut-and-Come-Again Mix grows 2-3 feet tall with 2½ inch blooms. These aren’t showstoppers but, as vibrant fillers to pack a vase or bouquet full of blooms, they’re indispensable if you like to grow your own cut flowers.

4. Best for Unusual Blooms: Zinnia Mazurkia

Grow this striking zinnia in your front yard and all your neighbors will want to know what it is! It’s a Zinnia elegans cultivar so you’ll get a bushy plant with bumper numbers of flowers – and oh, what flowers they will be! A vibrant strawberry pink or scarlet at their centre, each bloom has creamy-white or blush petal tips, creating a dazzling bi-color show. As the flowers mature, that lipstick-pink slowly fades to a more pastel tone, leaving you with a lovely mix of hues on each plant.

Zinnia Mazurkia grows to 26-30 inches high, making it a super choice for planters as well as borders.

5. Best for On-Trend Tones: Zinnia Queeny Red Lime

Search ‘zinnia’ on Instagram and so many of the flowers that pop up will be members of the Queeny series. Another Zinnia elegans, this series features striking multi-tonal double flowers, with vintage tones merging beautifully together. All the flowers on one plant typically have a slightly different ratio of the two tones, which creates a wonderful display of color.

There are all sorts of color combinations to choose from in the Queeny series, but Queeny Red Lime is a current favorite. Its petals are a deep maroon red at their base, shifting through pink to a vibrant lime at the bloom’s center. That centre is a deep red, too, so even as the flowerbud is opening, you’ll enjoy a dazzling color contrast. Growing to 3 feet high, this is a vigorous variety so produces plenty of flowers.

6. Best for Beginners: Zinnia Exquisite

There is in fact a dahlia-flowered series of Zinnia elegans, and ‘Exquisite’ is one of its well-known beauties. Double-petalled 3-inch blooms burst open a deep pink then gradually fade to lovely pastel tones, bringing multiple shades on a single plant. All zinnias are so easy to raise from seed, but this heirloom variety is particularly keen to grow so it’s a great place to start your zinnia journey if you're a beginner gardener.

Plants reach 30 inches tall, and pollinators adore the open centers of the flowers, too.

7. Best for Humid Zones: Zinnia Zahara

The only issue with zinnias is they have a tendency to develop powdery mildew. While this can still be a problem with heirloom varieties, most modern series have been bred to have greater disease resistance. Still, some are better than others, and Zahara beats them all. It’s a hybrid of Zinnia elegans and Zinnia angustifolia known as Zinnia marylandica, and is highly resistant to leaf spot, too. So, if you live in a humid zone, this is the zinnia for you.

In striking colors including reds and yellows, the Zahara series typically has 3-inch blooms and grows to a height of 2 feet, making it excellent in a container as well as in the ground. ‘Double Salmon’ is my pick for gloriously saturated color, those dreamy coral petals revealing golden centres as the flowers mature.

8. Best for Containers: Zinnia Starlight Rose

All zinnias are incredible tolerant plants and thrive in a container, but this little beauty is a particularly good zinnia variety to grow in a pot. It's also a Zinnia marylandica and part of the Zahara series, so has excellent disease resistance and drought tolerance. However, its naturally dwarf, bushy growth means it creates a lovely mounding plant in a container. Only reaching 12-18 inches high and wide, it brings pretty star-shaped flowers with bi-color petals.

9. Best for Shape: Zinnia Zinderella Pastels

Zinderella is a fabulous series of Zinnia elegans reminiscent of anemone or collarette dahlias that feature a pincushion-like centre within a flat outer ring of petals. Cultivars in this series are available in wonderfully soft yet strong colors, from peachy pinks to lilac, cream to buttery yellows, with 2½ inch flowers atop 2-foot stems.

The Zinderella Pastels blend is a glorious way to get to know this series, with a mix of tones and frilly centres. You’ll get a mix of blooms through the summer, too, as this tends to grow more floofy, double flowers with a profusion of petals early in the season when temperatures are mild, gradually switching to simpler single flowers as the heat intensifies.

10. Best for Pompom Flowers: Zinnia Oklahoma

If you’re a fan of pompom dahlias, then ‘Oklahoma’ is the zinnia for you. This Zinnia elegans series grows an incredible profusion of perfect, many-petalled 2-inch flowers on 3-3½ foot stems. The plants branch well so keep picking these pretty pompoms and you’ll get lots more blooms. These uniform spheres of tightly-packed petals last a week in a vase, too, and there’s a gorgeous range of tones, though nothing beats the bubblegum ‘Oklahoma Pink’.

Zinnias are a welcome addition to almost any garden. Known for their vibrant colors, prolonged bloom time, and ability to attract pollinators, these hardy annual flowers are both beautiful and practical to grow. They have become increasingly popular for their usefulness as a companion plant, both in ornamental gardens and vegetable patches.

In this guide, we'll explore the best zinnia companion plants, their many benefits, and what you should avoid planting alongside them. Whether you're just learning how to grow zinnias for the first time or are a seasoned gardener, you'll find helpful tips for pairing zinnias in your garden beds.

Why Are Zinnias Good Companion Plants?

Companion planting refers to the process of planting several different garden species close together, so that they benefit each other in some way – such as by attracting pollinators, deterring pests, or improving soil conditions.

Zinnias are considered excellent companion plants thanks to several standout traits:

• They attract beneficial insects, serving as an invaluable source of nectar and pollen. This boosts populations of bees, butterflies, and predatory insects like ladybugs and lacewings.
• They serve as a trap crop, diverting the attention of troublesome insects away from more valuable garden species.
• They're low maintenance, which makes them easy to interplant with a variety of flowers and vegetables.

Plus, with their wide range of sizes and bold, cheerful blooms, zinnias add seasonal color to any garden bed. Their playful hues pop against more muted or leafy tones of vegetables or ornamental grasses, yet the daisy-like flowers also have a geometric precision that balances soft, feathery textures like fennel, dill, and cosmos. Their sturdy, tall stems also provide an upright structure that contrasts with sprawling or trailing plants like squash or cucumbers.

What to Plant with Zinnias

Companion plants for zinnias abound. As zinnia species will flourish with only minimal care, most can be grown easily within annual or established perennial beds, as well as vegetable gardens.

Best Ornamentals to Plant with Zinnias

Zinnias pair beautifully with many flowers and ornamental shrubs, especially those that thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. Their upright growth and colorful blooms make them a natural fit for mixed borders or pollinator gardens. Top zinnia companions include:

• Cosmos are pollinator magnets and love similar conditions to zinnias. Together, they create a wild, romantic feel in the garden and make a perfect pairing for a cut flower garden. The Cosmos Sensation Mix from Burpee has a dainty daisy look that looks great with zinnias.
• Calendula blooms just as profusely as zinnias, adding vibrant pops of color while drawing in beneficial insects. It's also a therapeutic plant that's edible, so it adds another dimension to flower beds. This Medicinal & Herbal Tea Seeds Variety Pack from Amazon includes calendula as well as 14 more therapeutic plants to grow.
• Dusty miller has silvery foliage that creates a stunning contrast with the bright colors of zinnia flowers, and acts as a foil. It grows close to the ground, so it is a good option for edging. Dusty Miller Silver Lace, from Burpee, is a beautiful, finely cut variety with delicate lacy foliage.
• Marigolds share similar growing conditions to zinnias and can help deter pests that might bother zinnias. However, don't crowd them or they'll compete. Pick up these live margiold plants from Walmart.
• Petunias are ideal for bedding arrangements with dwarf zinnia varieties. Their spreading habit complements the upright form of zinnias. Proven Winners' Multicolor Supertunia Picasso in Purple, from Lowe's, is a stunning variety with lime green edges that doesn't need deadheading.
• Salvia attracts pollinators and comes in a variety of colors that complement zinnias. May Night salvia, from FastGrowingTrees.com is a long-flowering variety that is drought tolerant and deer resistant.
• Snapdragons love similar growing conditions to zinnias, and add vertical interest and a mix of textures when planted together. Burpee's Tutti Frutti snapdragons offer a fun mix of colors to complement zinnias and are perfect for cutting.

Zinnias can also be used to protect more delicate ornamental shrubs like roses and lilacs, helping to draw away pests such as Japanese beetles, while attracting natural predators to handle infestations organically.

Best Vegetables to Plant with Zinnias

Zinnias are often found growing throughout vegetable gardens, and for good reason. Their unique ability to attract pollinators and beneficial insects has a positive effect on the health and production of nearby crops.

Here are some vegetables that pair especially well with zinnias:

• Tomatoes benefit greatly from zinnias as the flowers attract predatory insects that feed on tomato hornworms. They also help improve pollination and can help reduce other pest problems.
• Cucumbers and other cucurbits love having zinnias planted close by as the flowers help deter cucumber beetles, a notorious pest for squash, pumpkins, and melons.
• Peppers planted with zinnias can benefit from improved fruit set by attracting bees and other pollinators.
• Beans and corn benefit from increased pollinator visits and look just beautiful alongside zinnia flowers' bold hues.

Zinnias' pest-diversion benefits also mean they can be used near crops that are particularly vulnerable to beetles or aphids – making them a simple and natural form of pest management.

What Not to Plant with Zinnias

Zinnia plants will grow well with most any companion. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when deciding what to plant near them. Zinnias need full sun, good air circulation, and room to grow upright without being crowded. You need to consider their overall size at maturity and rate of growth.

Avoid planting them too close to plants that spread aggressively or overshadow them. This includes fast-spreading ground covers or tall, bushy vegetables like kale, broccoli, or zucchini if space is limited.

Overcrowding can lead to poor airflow, increased susceptibility to powdery mildew, and reduced flowering.

There’s no happier flower in the cutting garden than the zinnia. In an array of colors, shapes, and sizes, these floral blooms spark smiles at first sight, adding pizzazz to cutting gardens and summer bouquets alike.

Zinnias are also one of the easiest ways to lure pollinators. Butterflies are especially attracted to these blooms, as are moths and bees. You may even spot hummingbirds hovering over them, too!

Growing zinnias will provide a steady supply of fresh flowers for arrangements as they bloom from summer well into fall. And best of all, frequent cutting encourages even more blooms to emerge. Add the fact that zinnias have reliably sturdy stems, and you have one of the best cut-and-come-again flowers to grow in your garden.

The Growing Basics

You can cost-effectively start zinnias from seeds by starting seeds indoors about four to five weeks before your region’s last frost date in spring. Or, direct sow seeds in well-draining garden soil in a sunny space once it’s warm. As they germinate, thin seedlings to ensure adequate air flow between plants.

Zinnias appreciate moderate moisture but allow the soil to dry between waterings. They can be prone to powdery mildew, so direct your hose or watering can at the plants’ base to avoid wetting the foliage and spreading disease. Light feeding with a well-balanced fertilizer every six weeks is just enough to ensure constant blooms without overfeeding.

Harvesting Zinnias for Floral Arrangements

Zinnias must be harvested when they are fully unfurled as they stop opening once cut. Before cutting, hold the stem 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20cm) below the flower and give it a shake. If it wobbles, it’s not ready for harvest. If it’s stiff, follow that stem downward to where it meets a branching point. Cut here at a diagonal to stimulate growth in the emerging branches.

Extending Vase Life

For the longest vase life possible, remove any foliage that sits below the water line to prevent bloom-shortening bacterial growth. Change the water daily and trim stem ends every few days to extend the vase life. Add a commercial floral food to keep zinnias looking fresh for up to a week.

Best Cut-Flower Zinnias to Grow

Zinnia varieties number in the hundreds, so we’ve chosen 10 that are tried and true for your cutting garden. There are a few old classics, some fun bicolors, and a variety that’s best for the little hands around the house.

1. Queeny Lime Red

This variety’s fully double blooms look “antiqued” thanks to its petals transitioning from deep burgundy in the outer rings to soft lime in the center. If your aesthetic is vintage, then ‘Queeny Lime Red’ will give you muted tones to add to your floral arrangements. Flowers are up to 3.5 inches (9cm) wide, and the plant grows to 40 inches (1m) tall.

2. Benary’s Giant Mix

One of the most popular zinnia mixes out there, ‘Benary’s Giant Mix’ produces incredibly large (4 to 6 inch/10 to 15cm diameter) blooms in bright, basic colors such as white, oranges, yellows, purples, and reds. Growing up to 4 feet (120cm), the ‘Giants’ were bred for beauty and disease tolerance. Their long, thick stems are perfect for keeping those big blooms from nodding in a vase.

3. Zinderella Purple

While it may look like a pincushion or scabiosa flower, the mesmerizing fuchsia-lilac ‘Zinderella Purple’ is all zinnia! Its softly ruffled blooms keep you guessing because they vary from semi to fully double, depending on the difference between day and night temperatures. Flowers are 2.5 inches (6cm) wide atop a plant as tall as 30 inches (76cm).

4. Cut and Come Again

A highly prolific bloomer, 'Cut and Come Again' – or Zinnia pumila – produces flowers at a rapid rate all season long. It’s one of the classic cut-flower zinnias, and one that offers vibrant shades of red, orange, yellow, and pink.

The 3.5-foot-tall (1m) plants produce blooms that are 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.5cm) across and appear as singles, doubles, and semi-doubles.

5. Crouching Tiger

There is so much beauty in this red-and-yellow double-flowered bicolor! The 3-inch (7.5cm) flowers have petals that are deep red at the base and tipped in yellow. Younger flowers are fully bicolor, but as the blooms plump to their fully double status, only bits of red are visible among the yellow tips. You’ll have a mix of single to semi to fully double blooms at any given moment on the same 2-foot-tall (60cm) plant.

6. Hidden Dragon

Everything that was said about ‘Crouching Tiger’ can be said for ‘Hidden Dragon’ – except for the color, that is. ‘Hidden Dragon’ sports deep red petals at their base, as ‘Crouching Tiger’ does, but its tips are white. Combine the two varieties, and you have a stunning floral composition.

7. State Fair Mix

The ‘State Fair’ zinnias are some of the largest zinnias out there, with flowers up to 6 inches (15cm) in diameter. The mix offers a range of happy colors – orange, red, pink, purple, yellow, and white.

These zinnias thrive in hot weather, making them an excellent choice for summer cut flower bouquets. And at up to 48 inches (1.2m) tall, they offer plenty of lengthy stems well-suited for vases.

8. Purple Prince

This variety’s rose-purple coloration is a vital grounding element in ethereal cut-flower bouquets. ‘Purple Prince’ is known for its semi- to double-flowered massive blooms, sturdy stems, and long vase life – characteristics that make it an outstanding element for floral arrangements.

9. Whirligig Hybrid Zinnia

Looking for something special? Each ‘Whirligig’ bloom presents itself a little bit differently – some single, some daisy-like, and some fully double. Colors vary from flower to flower, too, many with contrasting petal tips and some solidly monochrome.

Flowers are medium-sized at 3 to 4 inches (8 to 10cm) across on plants less than 2 feet (60cm) tall.

10. Profusion AAS Mix

Not all cut flowers need to be tall and lanky. Profusion zinnias are outstanding garden plants, beautiful in beds but not a first thought for bouquets. However, with cheery 2-inch-wide (5cm) flowers and short stems, these are ideal for child-sized posies.

The ‘Profusion AAS Mix’ is a combination of four colors that won the coveted All-America Selections award for outstanding garden performance. Your kids will love the blooms!

More Flower Growing Inspiration

• Try these cut flower garden ideas for beginners. Even newbies can grow these easy decorative floral plants.
• Be inspired by 8 self-sowing flowers that will grace your garden with colorful blooms year after year.
• Discover the best romantic old garden roses to grow for a dreamy display.
• Don't miss out on the latest gardening inspiration and exclusive offers – sign up to the Gardening Know How Newsletter.

Zinnias fill the garden with lasting color, and are some of the best annuals for floral borders, cutting gardens and pollinator beds. Their ease of growth, long flowering season and hardy nature further contribute to their appeal – to say nothing of their wow factor. Little wonder so many growers are tempted to grow these dazzling ornamentals from seed. Given their commanding presence in cottage garden displays, mixed borders, patio boxes and even containers, it’s understandable you’ll want to grow more once you’ve enjoyed their season of bloom.

Of course, you can pick up seeds at garden centers for several months of the year. However, once you’ve successfully grown your own zinnia displays, chances are you’ll be keen to enjoy a repeat show of your star performers next year. Being able to harvest zinnia seed from spent blooms also means you can save some seed money for other plants! Here’s how to harvest zinnia seed and increase your chances of enjoying even more gorgeous zinnias at no extra cost next year.

Why Harvest Zinnia Seeds?

Seed saving is a useful and interesting skill – and can potentially be an economical one, particularly if you have fallen in love with zinnias and want to grow more. If you’re a budget-savvy gardener, being able to harvest seed from zinnias is a great way to save some cash that you can then spend elsewhere in your garden. Zinnias are known for their prolific production of seed and they can be multiplied quickly. Because of this, you could feasibly cultivate large beds with only minimal investment.

You can take advantage of this process to create new hybrids, as well helping in the preservation of open-pollinated or heirloom types. Over time, saved seeds may also demonstrate improved suitability to growing conditions within your particular region. Zinnias are amongst the easiest annuals to grow from seed. This makes them ideal for beginners, as well as passionate zinnia aficionados. You can quite easily cultivate more of your favorite flowers by sowing seed directly into prepared beds.

Which Seeds Are Best?

Though seed can be saved from most varieties of zinnia, results will vary in terms of appearance. When seed harvesting, bear in mind that a few factors can influence the overall look of flowers propagated from the seed you collect. Seeds taken from hybrid cultivars are least likely to produce plants that are true-to-type, meaning they won’t be identical to the parent plant. Check the seed packets for the original flowers if you are unsure.

When harvesting zinnia seeds from flowers, also bear in mind that cross-pollination with other varieties can impact the genetic makeup of any new plants you grow. All this in the balance, open-pollinated and heirloom types are best if you are looking to produce seed similar to that of the parent plant. Examples of open-pollinated varieties include ‘Green Envy’ and ‘Canary Bird’ as well as ‘Candy Cane’ zinnias.

Those collecting zinnia seeds from flowers will notice two distinct types of seed produced from each bloom — those that are long and pointy, and those which are more rounded. Don’t be afraid to get close and inspect these using a magnifying glass (there’s a great Magnifying Glass with Lights from Amazon that can bring those tiny seeds into focus). Long, pointed seeds are the result of pollination which has occurred at the ray petals, while rounded seeds are produced from each floret. Both types of seeds are likely to be viable, depending upon the success of pollination.

When to Harvest Seeds

If you’re new to the process of seed starting using harvested seeds from flowers you have grown, determining when to harvest zinnia seed can seem tricky to pin down. These gorgeous flowers can have an incredibly long season of flowering. As well as growing zinnias for a cutting garden, chances are you care about keeping pollinators coming to your garden, so you also won’t want to disrupt their attentions too quickly.

Still, after pollination, each bloom will eventually begin to fade and dry. The center of each flower will grow to form a large cone. Most seed can be found within, with some attached to remaining ray petals. Zinnia seed can be collected at any time at this point, so long as it has been allowed to mature. Blooms most likely to yield mature seeds are those which have browned or feel slightly crunchy to the touch.

Harvesting Seeds For Planting

Once the flower head has had time to dry, the process of knowing how to harvest zinnia seeds for planting is relatively simple. If you have given flower heads a few weeks from fading and they are fully brown, you are fine to harvest. Choose a dry or sunny day after the dew has dried. Grab a paper bag, and some scissors or shears like Fiskars Micro-Tip Pruning Shears, available from Amazon, for a precise action.

Clip each bloom from the plant, cutting just below the head. Carefully pluck the petals or rub them between your fingers. You’ll find zinnia seeds within the flower and at the ends of each petal. Gently crushing or removing petals is often the most helpful way to release mature seed. Mature seeds will be thick and feel firm and full when gently pinched. Lightweight or empty seed pods are likely not viable and can be discarded as the seed, chaff, and other plant matter are winnowed. Spread collected seed across a screen to dry further. Any excess plant matter should be removed before storage, to prevent mold or the overwintering of disease.

Planting Harvested Seeds

Now you know how to harvest zinnia seeds for next year, you have the option of either sowing straight away or storing. As zinnias will volunteer freely, you may wish to simply drop seeds into the garden through fall. Seed beds will then overwinter, germinating when the time is right in spring. If you have collected seeds the previous summer, you can sow directly into beds. This can be done as soon as the soil has warmed and all chances of frost have passed. If conditions are favorable, your planted seeds can grow quickly outdoors.

Starting the seed indoors is also an option if you hope to get an early start on the growing season. Use a seed tray like the Hugbow Store’s Seed Starter Tray from Amazon, which also comes with grow lights, heat mat and soil meter. Do this no more than 2-4 weeks before the last predicted frost date. After germination, and once seedlings are ready, your zinnias can be hardened-off and moved into beds.

Storing Seeds for Later

If you aren’t sowing straight away, you need to store your zinnia seed in a cool, dry place until planting time. Use a special storage container specifically for seeds, like the Orionstar Seed Storage Organizer from Amazon, which comes with envelopes and labels. Envelopes or jars of seed will generally remain viable for 3-5 years.

Refrigeration may help to prolong the viability of seed. Longevity can vary, depending upon your collection method and conditions of storage. However, in terms of the eventual success rate of your seeds, the fresher the better. The longer you leave seeds in storage, the more chance there is that germination rates will falter and decrease with the passage of time.

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Zinnias are a summer garden staple for good reason. They come in a wide range of colors, bloom all summer long, and are easy to grow. Even beginners can grow loads of beautiful zinnia blooms. Plus, bees and butterflies love them so they are perfect for pollinator gardens! Keep reading to learn how to grow zinnias from seed.

Types Of Zinnias

Zinnias are annual flowers that grow in full sun and well-drained soil. They thrive in heat and tolerate drought well. Zinnias range in height from 6 inches to over 4 feet tall. Their flowers can be striped, speckled, or solid in a variety of colors from pastel to vibrant hues. 

Zinnias also come in an array of flower forms. These include single bloom, beehive, button, and cactus. They make wonderful cut flowers that can last in a vase for a week or more. And, if deadheaded, they can bloom from early summer until frost. But we’ll talk about that later!

How To Plant Zinnia Seeds

Zinnias prefer direct sowing in the garden, but you can start seeds indoors and transplant them later. Start zinnia seeds in peat pots or another form of biodegradable pot. When seedlings are a few inches tall, plant zinnias and pots in the garden to avoid disturbing seedlings’ tender roots.

The easiest way to grow zinnias from seed, however, is to plant them straight into the garden. Spacing depends upon the variety you wish to grow. Look at the back of your seed packet for instructions specific to your type. Once all chance of frost has passed, plant zinnia seeds in well-draining soil. Lightly cover the seeds with soil and give them a good drink. Keep soil moist, but not soggy. Zinnia seeds should germinate in 5 to 10 days.

How To Care For Zinnias

Some zinnias benefit from staking. Use garden supports to keep tall zinnia varieties from flopping over. Plant them next to a trellis, mailbox, or lamppost or create your own zinnia supports with strong vertical stakes and twine. Weave twine into a grid when plants are still small and zinnias will grow right through. 

Deadheading helps zinnias bloom all summer long. Once flowers fade, cut or pop the heads off your zinnias. Cutting flowers for bouquets also prolongs blooming. Succession planting is another way to extend zinnia blooming. Starting in late spring, plant zinnia seeds in the garden every two weeks until mid-summer to ensure fresh blooms through fall. Another option is to let faded flowers remain and go to seed, then save the seeds to grow in next year’s garden. 

Zinnia Diseases And Pests

Zinnias are very low-maintenance, however, they can encounter some problems. Common zinnia pests include spider mites, grasshoppers, and bud worms. Zinnias can also develop powdery mildew but, thanks to breeders, many new cultivars like the ‘Magellan’ series are more resistant to this problem. To prevent problems, avoid overhead irrigation and water early in the day to keep foliage dry. Space plants far enough apart to allow for good airflow to keep plants happy and healthy.

Zinnias are bright, cheery members of the daisy family, closely related to the sunflower. Zinnias are popular with gardeners because they’re so easy to get along with, even in climates with long, hot summers. Like many summer-blooming flowers, zinnias are annuals, meaning they germinate, bloom, set seed, and die in a single year. They typically aren’t well-suited for the indoor environment, and the idea of zinnias as houseplants may not be realistic.

However, if you’re interested in trying your hand at indoor zinnias, go ahead and give it a shot. Potted zinnia flowers may live a few months indoors, but don’t expect zinnias as houseplants to survive indefinitely. Here are some tips for indoor zinnia care.

Indoor Zinnia Care

Although you can grow zinnias from seed, it’s easiest to start with small bedding plants from a garden center or nursery. Look for dwarf zinnias, as regular varieties can become top-heavy and may tip over.

Plant in a container filled with good quality potting mix. Add a generous handful of sand to improve drainage. Be sure the container has at least one drainage hole in the bottom, as the plants won’t last long in soggy growing conditions.

Outdoor zinnias get plenty of bright, natural sunlight, and even your brightest window may not provide enough light. You’ll probably need a high-intensity grow light, or a regular two-tube fluorescent fixture with one cool tube and one warm tube.

Water indoor zinnias whenever the top inch (2.5 cm.) of soil feels dry to the touch. Be careful not to overwater, and never let the pot stand in water. Fertilize potted flowers every other week, using a dilute solution of a water-soluble fertilizer.

Zinnias as houseplants will last longer if you deadhead blooms as soon as they wilt. Use shears or clippers, or just pinch the blooms with your fingernails.

One of the most popular, and easiest, annual flowers to grow is the zinnia. It is no wonder zinnias enjoy such popularity. Native to Mexico, there are 22 accepted species of zinnia comprised of hundreds of zinnia cultivars and hybrids. There is such a dizzying array of zinnia varieties that it’s almost difficult to decide what zinnia to plant. To help you decide, the following article discusses different zinnia plant types and how to incorporate them into the landscape.

Different Types of Zinnia

As mentioned, there are 22 accepted species of zinnia, a genus of plants of the sunflower tribe within the daisy family. The Aztecs called them “plants hard on the eyes” due to their brilliantly colored blooms. These exuberantly colored blooms were named after the German botany professor, Johann Gottfried Zinn, responsible for their discovery and subsequent import to Europe in the 1700s.

The original zinnia has come a long way due to hybridization and selective breeding. Today, zinnia plant types come in not only a wide array of colors, but in sizes from 6 inches (15 cm.) to almost 4 feet (about a meter) in height. Zinnia varieties range in appearance from dahlia-like to cactus flower or beehive shape and may be single or double petaled.

Different Kinds of Zinnia Cultivars

The most commonly grown types of zinnias are Zinnia elegans. These beauties range in size from the diminutive ‘Thumbelina’ to the enormous 4-foot-tall (about a meter) ‘Benary’s Giants.’ All have semi-double to double, dahlia-like flowers or blooms comprised of rolled petals. Other cultivars available include:

• ‘Dasher’
• ‘Dreamland’
• ‘Peter Pan’
• ‘Pulcino’
• ‘Short Stuff’
• ‘Zesty’
• ‘Lilliput’
• ‘Oklahoma’
• ‘Ruffles’
• ‘State Fair’

Then we have the extremely drought and heat resistant Zinnia angustifolia, also referred to as a narrow-leaf zinnia. This low-growing species comes in hues from golden yellow to white or orange. Of the zinnia plant types, Z. angustifolia is the best choice for problem areas such as parking lots, sidewalks, and roadways. The extreme temperatures radiating from the concrete would kill most plants but not narrow-leaf zinnia.

Common cultivars available include:

• ‘Gold Star’
• ‘White Star’
• ‘Orange Star’
• ‘Crystal White’
• ‘Crystal Yellow’

The zinnia ‘Profusion’ is a disease-resistant hybrid that thrives in hot, dry weather. Comprised of the best of Z. angustifolia and Z. elegans, ‘Profusion’ types of zinnia grow to about a foot in height (30.5 cm.) with a naturally branching, neat, clumping habit.

Kinds of ‘Profusion’ zinnias include:

• ‘Apricot’
• ‘Cherry’
• ‘Coral Pink’
• ‘Double Cherry’
• ‘Fire’
• ‘Orange’
• ‘White’

Zinnias in pots can look just as lovely, if not more so, than those planted in beds. Especially if you have limited space, why not put these vibrant, cheerful flowers in containers? Zinnias are colorful additions to any flower garden - they’re great for cutting, they are easy to grow and start from seed - so they make a great choice for container gardening.

Why Grow Potted Zinnia Plants?

There are many reasons to grow zinnias. These pretty flowers come in a range of colors and sizes, they are great cutting flowers and look nice in arrangements, they are easy to grow, and they keep producing blooms all summer, even when it’s very hot.

There are also great reasons to consider growing potted zinnia plants. If your garden space is limited, for instance, containers on a patio can add color and greenery. If you have limited sun in your yard, a container will allow you to move your zinnias to catch the rays. And, with pots, you can even grow these pretty flowers inside in the winter, adding cheer to the colder months.

Choose varieties that are shorter, as the tall zinnias won’t do as well in containers. Good options for pots include the hybrid bedding zinnias. These have a short, spreading growth habit. Look for Zahara, Star Orange, Raspberry Lemonade Mix, and Solcito cultivars.

Starting Zinnias in Containers

You can either start your zinnias by getting transplants from the nursery or by starting them from seed. The seeds are large and easy to handle, and these flowers germinate quickly, so this is a cost-effective and simple way to get container-grown zinnias.

If you plan to have your zinnia containers outdoors for the summer, start seeds inside about six weeks before the last frost of spring. You can start them right in the pots you intend to use. Cover seeds with about a quarter-inch (0.5 cm) of soil.

Keep the soil moist and warm, and once the seeds have sprouted, put them in a sunny spot. You can take them outside after five or six weeks.

Zinnia Container Care and Maintenance

Once you have zinnias growing in pots, care for them is easy. Make sure they get a lot of sun throughout the day, as this will result in more flowers. Water the pots whenever the first inch (2.5 cm) or so of soil has dried out. Make sure the container has drainage holes, though, so you don’t get standing water or soggy roots.

Deadhead your zinnias as the blooms fade to promote more flower production. Trim each dead flower off at the stem, which will also stimulate more growth to keep the plant bushy and full. Make sure the foliage stays dry and has good air circulation to prevent fungal infections like powdery mildew.

Many nominate zinnia for the easiest flower to grow award, and it’s hard to find viable competition. These annuals shoot up from seed to towering beauties in the shake of a lamb’s tail. Some grow so tall that gardeners wonder about zinnia plant staking. Do zinnias need to be staked? Read on for information about zinnia plant staking and types of support for zinnia flowers.

Do Zinnias Need to Be Staked?

Zinnia plant staking leaps to mind when you see just how tall these bright flowers grow. Do zinnias need to be staked? Support for zinnias is sometimes required depending on the variety.

Some zinnas, like Zinnia angustifolia, are creepers, perfect for the front of the garden. Others grow to several feet tall. But staking zinnia plants is limited to the really tall zinnias – those that grow to 3 feet (1 m.) or more.

Why Staking Zinnia Plants Is Important

Staking zinnia plants helps to protect them from strong winds and rain. When slim-stalked annuals get tall, they run the risk of getting knocked right over by inclement weather. Providing support for zinnias also helps keep them off the ground.

Zinnias are native to hot, dry regions, making them particularly susceptible to powdery mildew and leaf spot in areas that have summer rains. Keeping their stems upright and their foliage off the wet ground helps.

How to Stake Zinnias

You may be wondering exactly how to stake zinnias. The easiest system involves one stake per plant. Use sturdy stakes longer than you expect the zinnia to grow at maturity, since a good piece of the bottom must be sunk into the soil. Other options are wire cages and tomato stakes.

Stems of very tall zinnia varieties should be staked just a few weeks after they start their growth spurt, or when they are one-third their mature size.

Insert the stakes close to the plant stem, being careful not to injure the roots. When staking zinnias, you must sink the stakes into the ground far enough to be firm. Then tie the zinnias to the stakes, using soft material like twine.

Easy to plant with long-lasting color, you should consider growing creeping zinnia (Zinnia angustifolia) in your flower beds and borders this year. What’s so special about it? Read on for more information.

Creeping Zinnia Info

Also called narrow leaf zinnia, several colors of flowers appear as daisy-like blooms. Foliage is thin leaved and attractive while waiting for the flowers to open. Grow them as a showy groundcover or border specimens. The plants are low maintenance too.

This North American native attracts butterflies and is great for cut flowers. Flowers bloom in white, red, orange, yellow, and pink. Warmer zones may grow them as perennials, or self-seeding annuals, and plants sometimes return in colder areas from dropped seeds.

Growing Creeping Zinnia Plants

Learning how to grow creeping zinnia is simple. Grow the plants from seed direct planted in the ground in autumn or sow indoors in late winter. When planting seeds, space them 6 to 9 (15-23 cm.) inches apart. Some local nurseries carry inexpensive seedlings.

Plant in a full sun area where several flowers display on a bushy, multi-stemmed plant. Morning sun is preferable, especially during hot summer days. These are drought tolerant, but a weekly watering helps keep them at their most attractive.

Plant in loamy, well-draining soil that retains moisture, if you can. An attractive mulch can help hold water even longer.

Deadheading is not needed as part of creeping zinnia care but may encourage new blooms more quickly. Pruning at the top will encourage more side shoots but is not necessary if the plant gets the right conditions.

Regular fertilization with a high phosphorous food keeps blooms coming and makes them last longer. It is not unusual for the creeping zinnia to bloom from spring until frost and longer in climates without frost and freeze.

Creeping zinnia info says there are no serious pest problems with the specimen and that it offers excellent resistance to common strains of powdery mildew and fungal leaf spots.

Include this prolific bloomer in your landscape this year for color and low-maintenance beauty. As with all zinnias, you’ll be impressed with its colorful blossoms and ease of care.

If you are looking for brilliantly colored flowers that spill over the edge of containers, consider growing Mexican zinnia (Zinnia haageana). This spreading groundcover blooms in bright colors all season long. For more information about Mexican zinnia flowers, read on. We’ll explain how to grow this plant and provide tips on Mexican zinnia plant care.

What is Mexican Zinnia?

What is Mexican zinnia? It’s an annual with daisy-like flowers in vivid orange, yellow, pink, or white. Mexican zinnia flowers bloom prolifically all season long in sunny locations. Mexican zinnia flowers are ideal for sunny locations in warm climates. These spreading zinnia plants make great groundcover in summers, but they are also bright and lovely in beds or pots.

If you are wondering how to grow Mexican zinnias, the fact is, you can hardly go wrong. Mexican zinnias are easy plants to grow and an excellent choice for beginning gardeners and even children. Growing Mexican zinnias will also appeal to any gardener who is seeking a big impact in exchange for a very minimal effort.

How to Grow Mexican Zinnias

These flowers adapt to any sunny location and are perfect for flower beds, mixed borders, containers, window boxes, or hanging baskets.

Plant Mexican zinnia seeds during the springtime in warm regions. These plants are hot weather specialists and thrive in USDA zones 11 and 12.

According to those growing Mexican zinnias, these plants get 12 to 18 inches (30.5 to 45.5 cm.) tall. You’ll want to plant them about 12 inches (30.5 cm.) apart to give them ample room to develop. Zinnias require good air circulation between plants to stay healthy.

Mexican Zinnia Plant Care

Start growing Mexican zinnias in fertile soil. Water your flowers sufficiently often to keep the soil moist. However, water in the morning, never late in the day.

If you want to feed the Mexican zinnias, use a mild liquid plant food every two weeks or so. Otherwise, Mexican zinnia plant care is a snap, requiring only irrigation and regular deadheading to keep the flowers looking their best.

One of the most popular and easiest annual flowers to grow is the zinnia. It’s no wonder zinnias enjoy such popularity. They’re low-maintenance and the perfect candidate for first-time flower growers. Plus, there are many types of zinnias that come in a wide range of colors, sizes, and shapes.

These colorful annuals originated in Mexico, but are widely grown in gardens around the world today. There are 22 accepted species of zinnia flowers and hundreds more varieties, cultivars, and hybrids available.

With such a dizzying array of zinnia varieties, it can be difficult to decide what type to plant. To help you decide, I’ll walk you through the different types of zinnias and how to use them in your landscape for the most beautiful displays.

Common Zinnia Varieties

There are 22 accepted species of zinnia that are all part of the aster family. The Aztecs called zinnias “plants hard on the eyes” due to their brilliantly colored blooms.

These exuberantly colorful blooms were named after the German botany professor, Johann Gottfried Zinn, who was responsible for their discovery and subsequent import to Europe in the 1700s.

The original zinnia has come a long way from its original form due to hybridization and selective breeding. Today, zinnias come in a wide array of colors and sizes from 6 inches (15 cm) to almost 4 feet (1.2 m) in height.

Zinnia varieties range in appearance from dahlia-like blooms to cactus flower types or beehive shapes that may be single or double-petaled.

1. Zinnia elegans

The most common type of zinnia is Zinnia elegans. These beautiful types of flowers range in size from the diminutive ‘Thumbelina’ to the enormous 4 foot (1.2 m) tall ‘Benary’s Giant’, both of which are available from Botanical Interests. These types of zinnias can have semi-double to double-petaled dahlia-like flowers or blooms composed of rolled petals.

Some of the most common types of Z. elegans are:

• ‘Dasher’
• ‘Peter Pan’
• ‘Pulcino’
• ‘Short Stuff’
• ‘Zesty’
• ‘Lilliput’ dwarf zinnia seeds are available on Amazon
• ‘Oklahoma’ is a classic double-bloomed variety you can get from Burpee
• ‘Ruffles’
• ‘State Fair’ is a very popular zinnia available from Burpee

2. Zinnia angustifolia

Then we have the extremely drought and heat-resistant flowers, Z. angustifolia, which are also referred to as a narrow-leaf zinnia. This low-growing species comes in hues from golden yellow to white or orange.

Of all the zinnia plant types, Z. angustifolia is the best choice for problem areas such as parking strips, sidewalks, and along roadways. The extreme temperatures radiating from the concrete would kill most plants but not narrow-leaf zinnia. You can get narrow-leaf zinnia seeds from Etsy.

Common cultivars of Z. angustifolia available include:

• ‘Gold Star’
• ‘White Star’
• ‘Orange Star’
• ‘Crystal White’
• ‘Crystal Yellow’

3. Hybrid Zinnias

The ‘Profusion’ zinnia is a disease-resistant hybrid that thrives in hot, dry weather. Composed of the best of Z. angustifolia and Z. elegans, Profusion zinnias grow to about a foot (30 cm) tall with a neat, naturally branching and clumping habit.

Profusion Series zinnia seeds are available from Park Seed. Some popular types of Profusion hybrid zinnias include:

• ‘Apricot’
• ‘Cherry’
• ‘Coral Pink’
• ‘Double Cherry’
• ‘Fire’
• ‘Orange’
• ‘White’

Choosing the Right Zinnias

Picking the right types of zinnias for your landscape depends upon your particular needs and desires for your garden. With so many zinnia varieties available, there’s a beautiful kind for every garden. Here are some ideas for different uses in your landscape and the best cultivars to try.

Dwarf Zinnias for Small Spaces

Dwarf zinnias are most commonly planted in flower borders and reach around 10 inches (25 cm) in height at maturity. Noted for their small size, these short plants grow well when interplanted with other annual and perennial flowers and shrubs. You can also grow dwarf zinnias in pots.

While the plants remain small throughout the growing season, this is not indicative of potential bloom size. Flower size will vary depending upon the zinnia variety which is being grown. Popular dwarf zinnias include:

• ‘Dreamland Mix’
• ‘Magellan Mix’ dwarf zinnia seeds are available from Park Seed
• ‘Star Starbright’

Pretty Landscape Zinnias for Curb Appeal

Much like dwarf zinnias, the below zinnia plant cultivars are commonly used in landscaping and in flower borders.

Growing somewhat taller, usually up to about 20 inches (50 cm), these zinnia flowers bloom continuously throughout the growing season, creating a show-stopping display of color. Here are some of the best zinnias for an instant boost of curb appeal:

• ‘Zahara’ Series zinnia seeds from Eden Brothers are available on Amazon
• Profusion Series
• Mexican zinnia (Z. haageana)

Best Zinnias for Cutting Gardens

Though cultivated in the same manner as other kinds of zinnias, some zinnia varieties are specifically suited for use in cut flower gardens. These stunning, tall plants make a huge visual impact in the landscape and they also attract pollinators like hummingbirds and butterflies.

Reaching heights of over 4 feet (1 m) tall at maturity, zinnia plants for the cutting garden continue blooming throughout the summer, especially as you harvest blooms for bouquets and flower arrangements. Some of the best zinnias for cutting gardens are:

• ‘Queen Red Lime’
• ‘Giant Cactus Mix’ zinnias are available from Botanical Interests
• ‘Burpeeana Giants Mix’ is available online from Burpee
• ‘Uproar Rose’
• ‘Peppermint Stick’ zinnia seeds from Eden Brothers are available on Amazon

You can direct sow zinnias outdoors after all chance of frost has passed in the spring. Then these classic annual flowers thrive with little attention or care. Gardens that receive ample sunlight and warmth throughout the growing season will enjoy a colorful display of bright, vibrant blooms.

Zinnias are known for their cheerful mix of colors, but did you know that there is such a thing as lime green zinnia flowers and those with hints of rose? Queen Lime cultivars produce stunning blooms and are just as easy to grow as any other type of zinnia.

About Queen Lime Zinnias

Green flowers are rare but stunning. That’s what makes the green Queen Lime zinnia cultivar so popular, as it produces beautiful double blooms in a shade of green that can be described as lime or chartreuse. There is also a Queen Red Lime zinnia that offers the same double flowering but with an exceptional color changing wow factor–going from lime green to shades of rose, pink, and soft chartreuse in between. The plants grow to about 25 inches (64 cm.) tall and 18 inches (45 cm.) wide and the flowers are about two to three inches (5-8 cm.) wide. The stems are sturdy and the blooms striking, so for a zinnia, Queen Lime makes for excellent cut flowers. In addition to the unique coloring, another great reason to grow Queen Lime zinnias is that these plants thrive in the heat of summer. They bloom in mid and late summer, and even in the fall, after many other flowers are done. Enjoy these indoors and out, in beds, and with cuttings that brighten up the house. Cut blooms early in the morning—but only harvest when they are fully open as they won’t open more once cut—and use a few drops of bleach in the water to keep them fresh.

How to Grow Queen Lime Zinnia

The Queen Lime cultivars may be difficult to find as transplants in your local garden center or nursery, but you can easily grow them from seed. You can start the seeds outdoors and sow directly as long as the soil has warmed up to about 55 degrees F. (13 C.). If starting indoors, begin five to six weeks before you plan to transplant them or before the last frost. Outside, find a spot for your zinnias that is in full sun. Add compost or fertilizer to the soil and space the transplants 9 to 12 inches (23-30 cm.) apart. Once in the ground, Queen Lime zinnia care is simple. Water as needed and keep weeds down and you should get good growth, prolific blooms, and minimal or no diseases and pests.

Gardening by USDA zone is important because it allows you to choose plants appropriate for your area’s climate. Zone 8 is one of the warmer zones, so there are plenty of options for plants that will not just survive but thrive in your garden. Zone 8 plants are diverse and include trees, shrubs, perennials, and annual flowers.

Gardening in zone 8 gives you plenty of plant options, but there are still some limitations. It’s important to understand the USDA planting zone map and what it tells you about zone 8, so you can garden successfully.

USDA zones are defined by average annual extreme minimum winter temperatures, or in other words, how cold it can possibly get in winter. Plants that can survive these minimums are suitable to grow in the zone. Zone 8 extreme winter minimums range from 10 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit (-12.2 to -6.7 Celsius). This is a region known for its hot summers and mild winters, and there are plenty of hardy zone 8 plants to choose from.

Zone 8 includes large areas of southern and southeastern states, like North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas. Other states that have smaller pockets of zone 8 include Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, Nevada, California, Oregon, Washington, Alaska, and Hawaii.

Zone 8 Perennials

• Creeping Thyme. Creeping thyme (Thymus spp.) is a low-growing type of thyme that is suitable for zone 8 and can be used as an attractive ground cover. Depending on the type, creeping thyme will grow between 2 and 6 inches (5 and 15 cm) tall. It grows best in full sun and will reward you with abundant small flowers in shades of pink, purple, or white. Keep the soil moist during hot weather or drought. Find creeping thyme seeds at Amazon.
• Coneflower. Purple coneflower is the classic type, but you can now find all kinds of Echinacea species in different colors and petal types. Native coneflowers grow in zones 4 through 8 and attract birds and pollinators to the garden. These zone 8 perennials tolerate poor soil and are easy to grow in partial shade. They also tolerate drought well but will bloom more consistently if the soil stays moist. Heirloom purple coneflower seeds can be found at Amazon.
• Bleeding Heart. For shady areas of the garden, consider planting bleeding hearts (Lamprocapnos spectabilis). While it can tolerate some sun in warmer regions, this is a true shade plant for zone 8. Bleeding heart is known for its unique flowers in red, pink, or white, which are shaped like hearts and hang from arching branches. The soil for bleeding hearts should be rich and moist, and must drain well. Bleeding heart bare roots can be purchased from the Home Depot.

Annual Plants for Zone 8

• Marigolds. It’s hard to beat the cheerful, colorful blooms of all types of marigolds (Tagetes spp.). These are true annuals wherever they are grown, completing a complete life cycle in one growing season. The sizes of marigolds vary depending on type, and the colors can be all shades of red, yellow, and orange. Grow marigolds in full sun for the best blooms. They are not picky about soil type, but they should be watered as it dries out. Farmer's Almanac marigold seeds can be found at Amazon.
• Zinnias. Zinnia elegans is a classic summer annual. Zinnias grow fast and bloom readily throughout summer and fall, even with little care or maintenance. They’re even easy to start from seed. These days, you can find many varieties of zinnias in all kinds of colors, even green. Grow these zone 8 annuals in full sun in rich soil that drains well. Zinnias tolerate drought, but they’ll benefit from watering during very dry conditions. Find lots of gorgeous zinnia seeds from Burpee.
• Ornamental Peppers. Capsicum annuum, ornamental peppers, are a fun alternative to annual flowers. The blooms open in summer, but the real show is the abundance of small, colorful peppers that develop after the flowers. Peppers grow best in full sun and rich soil that drains well. Water your peppers regularly and don’t let the soil dry out or get soggy. Don’t plant them outside until all risk of frost has passed. Find hot Thai ornamental pepper seeds from True Leaf Market.

Trees for Zone 8

• Eastern Redbud. Cercis canadensis is a beautiful native tree suited to zone 8 yards and gardens. It’s small, only growing to about 30 feet (9 m) tall and wide. It blooms with pink or white flowers in early spring before the leaves emerge. Redbud trees grow best in full sun and can tolerate even poor soils. They do need watering during droughts. Find eastern redbud trees for sale at Fast Growing Trees.
• Southern Magnolia. Another flowering tree to consider for your zone 8 garden is the classic southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora). This type of magnolia can grow up to 80 feet (24 m) tall and blooms in spring and summer with creamy, pink-touched white flowers. Southern magnolias prefer moist, well-drained, and fertile soils. They don’t tolerate drought well until they are established, so water young trees as needed. Find a southern magnolia tree for sale from Nature Hills Nursery.
• Live Oak. If you garden in zone 8, you are lucky enough to be just within the right range for growing this majestic southern tree. Quercus virginiana is known for its large spread (up to 100 feet or 30 m wide) and low, horizontal branches, perfect for climbing. Live oaks are also very long-lived. They grow best in medium to moist soil and thrive in humid conditions. Purchase a live oak tree from Fast Growing Trees.

Shrubs for Zone 8

• Carolina Allspice. Calycanthus floridus is a great option for a native shrub in zone 8. Also called sweet shrub, it can grow up to 9 feet (2.7 m) tall and blooms in spring with non-showy but very fragrant flowers. Grow Carolina allspice in sun or partial shade and water only during drought. This shrub can be trained into a hedge and will withstand strong winds. Carolina allspice shrubs can be purchased from Native Wildflowers Nursery.
• Camellia. Camellia (Camellia spp.) is not native to North America, but it’s a worthy choice for zone 8 gardens. This broadleaf evergreen blooms in late fall, winter, and early spring with stunning flowers in shades of pink, red, lavender, yellow, or white. Camellia shrubs grow up to 12 feet (3.7 m) tall but grow slowly and are long-lived. They grow best in moist, rich soil with some shade. Give them plenty of space to grow into their full size. Fast Growing Trees has a wonderful selection of camellia shrubs in shades of pink, white, and red.
• Abelia. All varieties of abelia (Abelia spp.) are easy to grow and can be as tall as ten feet (3 m). You can find evergreen and deciduous types. Abelia is notable for its colorful foliage that changes throughout the seasons and the abundance of flowers that bloom throughout the growing season. Abelia shrubs grow best in moist soil that drains well and is fertile. They can grow in full sun or partial shade. Full sun allows for the most vibrant colors and abundant blooms. 'Kaleidoscope' abelia from Fast Growing Trees makes an excellent addition to Zone 8 gardens.

Zone 8 Edible Gardens

If you live in Zone 8, your region has mild winters with the low temperatures between 10 and 20 degrees F. (10 and -6 C.). Most Zone 8 areas have temperate summer climates with cooler nights and a long growing season. This combination allows for lovely flowers and thriving vegetable plots.

Zone 8 Vegetables

When you are growing vegetable gardens in Zone 8, you can plant most of the familiar vegetables, sometimes even twice a year. In this zone, you can put in your vegetable seeds early enough to contemplate successive plantings. Try this with cool-season vegetables like carrots, peas, celery, and broccoli.

Cool season vegetables grow in temperatures 15 degrees cooler than warm season veggies. Salad greens and green leafy vegetables, like collards and spinach, are also cool-season vegetables and will do well as Zone 8 plants. Sow these seeds early – in early spring or even late winter – for good eating in early summer. Sow again in early fall for a winter harvest.

Zone 8 Perennial Edibles

You can grow herbaceous perennial edibles that come back year after year like:

• Artichokes
• Asparagus
• Cardoon
• Prickly pear cactus
• Rhubarb
• Strawberries

Zone 8 Backyard Orchard Trees

When you are growing plants in Zone 8, think fruit trees and brambles. So many types of fruit trees and shrubs make good choices. You can grow backyard orchard favorites like:

• Apple
• Pear
• Apricot
• Fig
• Cherry
• Citrus trees
• Nut trees

Other Zone 8 Edible Plants

If you want something different, branch out with persimmons, pineapple guava, or pomegranates. Almost all herbs are happy in Zone 8. Try planting:

• Chives
• Sorrel
• Thyme
• Marjoram
• Oregano
• Rosemary
• Sage

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Gardeners delight in easy to care for and beautiful ground covers that they can just plug in and let go. Creeping zinnia (Sanvitalia procumbens) is one of these garden favorites that, once planted, provides a feast of color all season long. This low-growing beauty has a dainty trailing habit, which makes it perfect for hanging baskets and container arrangements as well. Keep reading to learn more about creeping zinnia ground cover plants.

Growing Creeping Zinnia Plants

Use creeping zinnia in the garden if you have a sunny spot with well-drained soil that needs some color. Where summers are mild, this Mexican native will spread up to 18 inches (45 cm.) and bear beautiful little orange or yellow sunflower-like flowers from summer through fall. Creeping zinnia ground cover does best when sown in a sunny garden spot in early spring. Use light, loamy potting soil with plenty of drainage if using the plant in a container garden. Many people start creeping zinnia ground cover seeds in hanging baskets or containers indoors, about four to six weeks before spring, to get a jump-start on the season. Sow seeds on top of a prepared planting surface and cover lightly with peat moss for best results. Keep seeds evenly moist until you see sprouts emerge, which should be sometime within a couple weeks.

Creeping Zinnia Care

Once creeping zinnia in the garden is well established, their care is minimal. Fertilize growing creeping zinnia plants monthly during the growing season with a water-soluble fertilizer. Creeping zinnias are drought, humidity and heat tolerant and should not be overwatered. If you are using creeping zinnias in a container or hanging basket, be sure to provide a little extra water, as needed since pots tend to dry out quickly. There are no major pests associated with growing creeping zinnia plants.

Zinnia flowers (Zinnia elegans) are a colorful and long-lasting addition to the flower garden. When you learn how to plant zinnias for your area, you'll be able to add this popular annual to sunny areas that benefit from their perky blooms.

How to Grow Zinnia Plants

Growing zinnia plants can be inexpensive, particularly when growing them from seed. Seeds of zinnia flowers should usually be sown directly into the sunny flower bed, as developing roots do not like to be disturbed.

If you wish to start growing zinnia plants from seeds indoors, plant the seeds in peat pots, poo pots (pots made from cow dung), or other biodegradable containers that can be planted directly into the garden later.

Start seeds four to six weeks before the last frost date in your area. Zinnias begin to show growth outdoors when temperatures are above 50 degrees F. (10 C). Space the seeds for growing zinnia plants properly, usually several inches to a couple of feet apart (8-61 cm.), depending on the size of the mature plant. This allows for adequate air circulation around the plants as they grow.

Powdery mildew and other diseases can attack zinnia flowers that are planted too close together or that remain wet from overhead watering. While the widest range of zinnia colors and heights comes from planting seeds, the popular flower is usually available in starter packs as well at your local garden center.

Caring for Zinnias

Zinnia care should include watering at the base of the plant. A soaker hose is ideal for keeping foliage and petals dry while providing much needed irrigation. Zinnia care may also include watering in the early morning, which allows the foliage and flowers ample time to dry off before nightfall.

Keep the soil moist, but not soggy, for young plants. Mature zinnias require less watering, as grown flowers are somewhat drought tolerant. With proper placement and correct watering, zinnia plants provide long-term color and beauty in the summer flower bed.

Growing zinnia plants benefit from deadheading and flower removal (used in cut flower bouquets). Clipping the plant back often results in more abundant blooms. In addition, when learning how to grow zinnia, remember that pinching back results in a bushier and more attractive plant.

If you're looking to add some bright color, grow some zinnia flowers in your summer garden this year.