When to Plant and Harvest Zinnia
Large, long-stemmed cutting zinnia series prized for sturdy stems and repeat bloom
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 10 to May 25. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
Plant Benary's Giant Zinnia in a spot with 8+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 70F to 85F, 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 | June 1 to June 20 | Spring only |
| Zone 2 | May 20 to June 15 | Spring only |
| Zone 3 | May 10 to June 10 | Spring only |
| Zone 4 | May 1 to June 5 | Spring only |
| Zone 5 | April 25 to June 1 | Spring only |
| Zone 6 | April 20 to May 30 | Spring only |
| Zone 7 | April 10 to May 25 | Spring only |
| Zone 8 | March 25 to May 15 | 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: 70F to 85F
- Sunlight: 8+ hours
- Watering: Water at soil level and allow foliage to dry between waterings
- Days to harvest: 75
Fertilization
- Compost organic: Work 1 inch into soil before planting
- Low-nitrogen bloom fertilizer synthetic: Light monthly feeding if soil is poor
Companion Plants
- Basil
- Tomatoes
- Cucumbers
- Cosmos
Avoid Planting Near
- Crowded damp plantings
Check any pair, and see which pairings have research behind them, on the Companion Planting Desk.
Harvest Signs
- Stem is stiff when gently wiggled
- Flower is mostly open but still fresh
- Cut deep to encourage branching
Track picks and rate the season on the Harvest Log.
FAQs
When should I plant Zinnia?
Zinnia planting depends on your USDA hardiness zone. In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is April 10 to May 25. 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 70F to 85F. In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is April 10 to May 25. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
Where is the best place to plant Zinnia?
Plant Benary's Giant Zinnia in a spot with 8+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 70F to 85F, 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 Basil, Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Cosmos.
How long does Zinnia take to grow?
Zinnia is typically ready to harvest in about 75 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 stem is stiff when gently wiggled. Flower is mostly open but still fresh Cut deep to encourage branching