Kristen If you’re looking for a flower you can grow from seed that blooms from spring through the first frost of fall, you’ve come to the right place…
Welcome to my adventures in growing ZINNIAS, where I enthusiastically share how easy and rewarding it is to grow this gorgeous flower. Did I mention they bloom from spring through fall?! Deer and rabbits are not interested in them. Sprinkle the seeds in fertilized soil however you like – neatly in rows or haphazardly around your garden patch. Water and weed, weed and water. Make sure they’re receiving a decent amount of sunlight. They will start to grow – and grow – and grow. The more you cut, the more they grow! They look pretty in vases, and make the best bouquets for gifts.
I’d like to share much, much more about gardening zinnias and plan to add more tips and tricks in a Part 2 of this subject – but for now let’s get to the fun stuff. Here are my exact seeds and color palettes:
2025 – Year One – My first year. I scoured the Internet and purchased a single, one-ounce packet of California Giants which was equivalent to a whopping 3,000 seeds!
Colors: Orange King; Luminosa; Cherry Queen; Violet Queen; Polar Bear; Canary Bird
2026 – Year Two – One year wiser – and more confident in my ability to grow zinnias – my approach to choosing a color palette was intentional. I purchased several different seed/color varieties from Johnny’s Selected Seeds. Here’s my exact list, complete with direct links: Ballerina; Linen; Deep Red; White; Salmon Rose. The Benary’s Giant varieties boasted the most full, lush, layered blooms.
Which palette do you prefer? I’d love to hear in the comments. Thanks for reading, and stay tuned for more!
