Spring planting doesn’t start when the air feels warm, It...Read More
Cherry Queen Zinnia is a vibrant cherry red annual flower that blooms abundantly from mid-summer until the first frost. This zinnia variety is larger than other, growing 2 to 3 feet tall with multiple sturdy flower stems protruding from the base of the plant. The elegant flowers can reach 3 to 4 inches in diameter and have ruffled rows of petals emanating from a central disk. This flower variety is excellent for harvesting as cut flowers to use in arrangements or home décor. Cherry Queen Zinnia are quite low-maintenance and tolerate heat but prefer rich soil and regular waterings. Add this zinnia variety to your next pollinator garden, as they attract numerous beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies.
NAME: Zinnia (Zinnia elegans)
VARIETY: Cherry Queen
DAYS TO MATURITY: 60 – 70 days
POLLINATION: Open Pollinated
TYPE: Annual
HARDINESS ZONE: Zones 3 – 10
SUNLIGHT: Full Sun
SOIL: Fertile, well-draining soils with a pH 6.5 – 7.5
SPACING: 12 – 18 inches
PLANT HEIGHT: 24 – 36 inches
TEMP: 60 – 95ºF
These seeds do not required stratification.
To learn more about Stratification, click here!
Start seeds indoors 4 to 6 weeks before your last local spring frost.
Sow seeds into cell trays 1/4 inch deep and keep the soil temperatures around 65-70ºF.
Germination should occur in 12-20 days.
Once seedlings emerge, thin to one seedling per cell.
Before transplanting outdoors, harden off seedlings for several days. Do this by taking them outside during the day and bringing them in at night (Outside temps should be above 50°F when you start this process).
Transplant into your garden beds or permanent pots spaced 12 to 18 inches apart.
Direct sow seeds outdoors 2 weeks after your last local spring frost.
Plant each seed 1/4 inch deep, spaced 4 inches apart.
Keep the soil moistened until germination occurs, which will happen in 12-20 days depending on soil temperatures.
Once seedlings appear, thin them out so they are spaced roughly 8 inches apart.
When seedlings reach 6 inches in height, thin them out again so they are spaced out 12 to 18 inches apart.
Water young seedlings regularly until established, then make sure not to overwater as this can cause root rot.
Choose a planting spot that gets full sun, free from compacted soil and an area that has well-draining soil structure.
Remove the flowers that have past their blooming stage to encourage new bloom growth.
Avoid getting water on the foliage when growing the plants as this can lead to fungal diseases.
Make sure to remove the leaves that would be submerged in water to prevent mold.
Harvest zinnia flowers for fresh use in floral arrangements when they are fully open but before they start to wilt.
Use clean, sharp scissors to cut the flower stems just above a leaf node or set of leaves.
For drying, harvest zinnia flowers when they are fully open but still firm to the touch.
Hang the harvested flowers upside down in small bunches in a warm, well-ventilated area out of direct sunlight.
Once fully dry, remove the dried flowers from the stems and store them in airtight containers in a cool, dark place until ready for use.
