When to Plant and Harvest Zinnia
Vibrant, heat-loving annual producing profuse blooms in every color of the rainbow
Pets: Non-toxic to dogs and cats (ASPCA). ASPCA entry. Pet-Safe Garden Finder
Best Time and Place to Plant Zinnia
In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is April 1 to May 15. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
Plant Zinnia in a spot with 6+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 65F to 95F, and enough room for 12 inches between plants and 18 inches between rows.
Related Planting Guides
Planting Windows by Zone
| Zone | Spring | Fall |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | May 15 to June 15 | Spring only |
| Zone 2 | May 10 to June 10 | Spring only |
| Zone 3 | May 1 to June 1 | Spring only |
| Zone 4 | April 20 to May 30 | Spring only |
| Zone 5 | April 15 to May 25 | Spring only |
| Zone 6 | April 10 to May 20 | Spring only |
| Zone 7 | April 1 to May 15 | Spring only |
| Zone 8 | March 20 to May 10 | Spring only |
| Zone 9 | March 10 to May 1 | August 1 to September 15 |
| Zone 10 | February 15 to April 15 | August 15 to October 1 |
| Zone 11 | January 15 to March 15 | September 1 to November 1 |
| Zone 12 | January 1 to March 1 | October 1 to December 1 |
| Zone 13 | Year-round | Year-round |
Spacing and Care
- Planting depth: 0.25 inches deep
- Spacing: 12 inches apart, 18 inches between rows
- Soil temperature: 65F to 95F
- Sunlight: 6+ hours
- Watering: 1 inch per week; water at base to prevent powdery mildew
- Days to harvest: 60
Fertilization
- 5-10-10 Low Nitrogen synthetic: Monthly light feeding
- Compost organic: 1-2 inches worked into soil
Companion Plants
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Cucumbers
- Basil
Avoid Planting Near
No avoid-planting conflicts are listed yet.
Check any pair, and see which pairings have research behind them, on the Companion Planting Desk.
Harvest Signs
- Blooms are fully open and brightly colored
- Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers
- Cut flowers in the morning for longest vase life
- Bend stem test; firm stem means a good cut flower
Track picks and rate the season on the Harvest Log.
Major Varieties
- Benary's Giant Zinnia: Large, long-stemmed cutting zinnia series prized for sturdy stems and repeat bloom
FAQs
When should I plant Zinnia?
Zinnia planting depends on your USDA hardiness zone. In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is April 1 to May 15. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
What is the best time of year to plant Zinnia?
The best time of year to plant Zinnia is when your zone planting window is open and soil temperatures are around 65F to 95F. In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is April 1 to May 15. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
Where is the best place to plant Zinnia?
Plant Zinnia in a spot with 6+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 65F to 95F, and enough room for 12 inches between plants and 18 inches between rows.
How far apart should I plant Zinnia?
Plant Zinnia about 12 inches apart, with rows around 18 inches apart.
What grows well with Zinnia?
Zinnia is commonly paired with Tomatoes, Peppers, Cucumbers, Basil.
How long does Zinnia take to grow?
Zinnia is typically ready to harvest in about 60 days under good conditions. Use the harvest signs below rather than the calendar alone.
How do I know when to harvest Zinnia?
Harvest Zinnia when blooms are fully open and brightly colored. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers Cut flowers in the morning for longest vase life