From brash to subtle – a Zinnia to suit every garden
Many people love these versatile flowers, but which are the best Zinnias to grow from seed? There are so many hybrids and varieties, you’ll find one to suit your style. Their drought tolerance makes them a good choice in drier areas. Learn more about growing half-hardy annuals from seed on my how-to page. Please check each website for current availability and prices.
Facts about Zinnias
- Native to SW USA to South America, with the majority of species native to Mexico.
- Named after German botanist Johann Gottfried Zinn.
- Z. elegans is the most common garden half-hardy annual.
- Drought-tolerant once established.
- The name means ‘thinking of absent friends’ in the language of flowers.
- Orange Zinnia bloomed on the International Space Station in 2016 – but it wasn’t the first plant to flower in space.
- Popular with hummingbirds in the Americas, it’s used as a companion plant against whitefly.
- It can have problems with powdery mildew.
- A favourite of butterflies.
The best Zinnia seeds on the market
Queen Lime Red
Pastel shades of red/pink brushed with lime green. Need free drainage and full sun. Combine Queen Red Lime with Achillea and Gypsophila. Height 60cm,www.dobies.co.uk.
Mazurkia (main picture)
Award-winning variety with cream-tipped scarlet flowers. Height 90cm, www.chilternseeds.co.uk.
The best Zinnias – Mammoth
Wonderful double flowers on strong stems, a great range of colours and easy to grow. Height 75cm, www.higgledygarden.com.
Zahara Rose Starlight
Pure white flowers streaked with rich pink in the centre. Drought, heat and humidity-tolerant. Height 45cm, www.dtbrownseeds.co.uk.
The best Zinnias – Zinderella Peach
Orange blooms with cream and rose detailing. Height 90cm, www.thompson-morgan.com.
Jazzy Mixed
Bi-coloured zinnias produce masses of semi-double, inch-and-a-half, red-tipped burgundy daisies in sparkling colours, blooming into late autumn. Height 45cm, www.plant-world-seeds.com.
The best Zinnias – Sombrero
Single-flowered, red and white, jam tart-like blooms through summer and into autumn. Height 35cm, www.mr-fothergills.co.uk.
Fireworks Mix
Large double flowers, long-lasting and gaily coloured. Height 75cm, www.suttons.co.uk.
Old Mexico
Fiery hues of chilli reds and golden yellows give a rustic charm to beds and borders. Ideal for cut flowers. Height 45cm, www.marshalls-seeds.co.uk.
