Common Zinnia Seeds Zinnia elegans – Easy Annual Heat-Loving Cut Flower for Pollinator Borders

Description Common Zinnia Seeds Zinnia elegans – Vibrant, sun-loving annual with dahlia-like blooms in every shade except true blue One of the easiest and most rewarding cut flowers. Common Zinnia produces sturdy, long-stemmed flowers in a dazzling spectrum of hot and pastel hues. Blooms heavily from early summer until frost, attracting butterflies and hummingbirds. Perfect for borders, containers, and cutting gardens — the more you cut, the more they bloom. Common Name: Common Zinnia, Youth-and-old-age Latin Name: Zinnia elegans Plant Height: 12–40 in (30–100 cm) Seeds per Gram: ≈ 100–150 seeds/gram Life Cycle: Annual (blooms in first year, frost sensitive) Available Color: Mixed: Red, Pink, Orange, Yellow, White, Purple, Bicolor Non-GMO · Open-pollinated · Heirloom & modern varieties · Heat-loving · Great for pollinators Common Zinnia Details Common name(s)Common Zinnia, Youth-and-old-age, Zinnia elegans, Elegant Zinnia Latin nameZinnia elegans (syn. Zinnia violacea) – classic garden and cut-flower zinnia Mature height12–40 in (30–100 cm) depending on variety — dwarf and tall cutting types available Seeds per gram~100–150 seeds/gram (approx. 2,800–4,250 seeds/oz) Growth cycleAnnual — fast growing, completes entire life cycle in one warm season Ornamental periodEarly summer to first hard frost (continuous bloom if regularly harvested or deadheaded) Unique trait Incredible color range · Heat & drought tolerant · Excellent pollinator magnet · Long vase life �� Planting & Growing Guide �� Best planting seasonSpring, after all danger of frost has passed and soil has warmed (ideal for succession sowing every 2–3 weeks) ��️ Ideal temperature70–80°F (21–27°C) for quick germination; thrives in 65–85°F (18–29°C) growing conditions ☀️ Shade requirementFull sun is essential (minimum 6–8 hours of direct sun). Partial shade causes weak stems, sparse blooms, and higher disease risk. �� Sowing rate (per m²)0.5–1 gram per square meter (approx. 50–150 seeds/m²) for a lush, flower-filled display. �� Sowing depth1/4 inch (6 mm) — cover lightly with soil; seeds need darkness for good germination. �� Water & careKeep soil evenly moist until seedlings emerge (5–10 days). Once established, water deeply but infrequently; avoid wetting foliage to prevent powdery mildew. �� Spacing after thinningThin to 9–12 inches (23–30 cm) apart for good air circulation and strong stem development. �� Days to bloomApprox. 60–75 days from sowing (first flowers appear in early to midsummer). Sun requirement: Full, direct sunlight is non‑negotiable for Common Zinnia. Even light shade drastically reduces flower count, stem strength, and overall vigor. In hot zones (9 ), some afternoon protection can help extend bloom quality, but never at the expense of morning sun. Pro density tip: For cut-flower production, sow 1 g/m² and thin to 9–12″ apart, pinching young plants for bushier growth. For naturalistic drifts, sow 0.5 g/m². Make succession sowings every 3 weeks for non-stop harvests until frost. Sowing quick guide: Spring · Full sun · 0.5–1 g/m² · Cover ¼″ deep Germination 70–80°F | Full sun essential for abundant blooms Pick flowers when fully open for immediate use, or when buds show color for longest vase life (7–10 days). Remove spent blooms to keep plants productive. Deer resistant · Heat tolerant · Irresistible to butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds.