If you are looking to add some incredibly unique, bold and beautiful color to your flowerbeds, raised beds or garden this year – then you need to try some (or all) of our must grow zinnia varieties featured in today’s article!
Zinnias are more than just a pretty flower. They are one of the best annuals you can plant to support pollinators throughout the growing season. Bees rely heavily on them. Butterflies seek them out daily. And beneficial insects use them as a steady food source from early summer until frost.
Zinnias also play an important role in natural pest control. By attracting beneficial insects, they help keep aphids, beetles, and other pests under control. In fact, it’s one of the biggest reasons we plant them in our vegetable garden every single year!
But perhaps best of all, zinnias come in an incredible range of sizes, colors, and bloom shapes that can light up a landscape. And today – we have three incredible varieties of zinnias that each offer something unique. Some are bold and dramatic. Others soft and elegant. And all are absolutely beautiful!
3 Must Grow Zinnia Varieties To Plant This Year
Queen Lime Zinnias – Soft Color With Stunning Beauty!
Queen Lime zinnias (pictured below) are unlike most common traditional zinnias you find in gardens and flowerbeds. Their color alone makes them stand out immediately. Their blooms open in soft shades of a very unique lime green that almost seems translucent.
As the flowers mature, subtle color changes begin to appear. Blush pinks emerge. Rose tones deepen. And the blooms take on warm antique hues. The flowers are full double blooms with multiple layers of petals. So much so that their shape resembles small dahlias more than classic zinnias.
No two flowers look exactly alike. And that variation gives Queen Lime zinnias an artistic appearance that feels almost hand-painted.
Growing Queen Lime Zinnias
As with all zinnias, Queen Lime grow best from direct seeding. It’s always important to let the soil warm before planting to ensure good germination. Affiliate Link: Queen Lime Zinnia Flower Seeds
Plants typically grow between 30 and 40 inches tall. The height makes them perfect for the middle or back of garden beds. They also perform beautifully in cutting gardens. They pair well with ornamental grasses, herbs, and other soft-colored blooms.
Regular deadheading will encourage continuous blooms and keeps plants great. They are certainly easy care. In fact, with just minimal effort, they will bloom steadily all season long.
Peppermint Zinnias – The “Fun” Zinnia
If you want a completely different look for your gardens and flowerbeds, then peppermint zinnias are definitely a must grow! Their unique flower shape and coloring immediately draw attention in the garden. Each bloom features what looks like a giant piece of peppermint candy.
The candy-striped petals blend bold reds, pinks, oranges, and yellows with creamy white accents, giving each bloom a completely unique look. Growing 24 to 36 inches tall, they make for quite a statement in gardens and flowerbeds. They are also excellent for cut flowers.
Starting from direct seeding is a must as these do not transplant well. It’s actually something that make growing zinnias anywhere so easy. After all, what can be easier than scattering seeds to plant! Affiliate Link: Peppermint Stick Zinnia Seeds
With consistent deadheading, they will continue producing fresh flowers well into late summer. They handle heat and dry conditions better than most annuals. Even better – disease problems are rare – also making them great for a vegetable garden. See: Why Zinnias Belong In Your Vegetable Garden – The Amazing Power Of Zinnias!
California Giant Zinnias – A Must Grow Zinnia Variety!
Last but not least – our final must grow zinnia variety are California Giant zinnias! They are simply bold in every sense of the word. The plants are tall, dramatic, and impossible to ignore once they start blooming.
They often grow four feet tall or more and their massive blooms can reach up to three inches across. That size makes them perfect as a garden focal point- and their colors are bright. Reds, oranges, yellows, pinks, purples, and whites all appear in vibrant shades.
One thing is for sure, they bring instant energy to the garden – which is why this variety always gets planted every spring in our own vegetable garden. And it is always a showstopper for sure! Affiliate Seed Link: Zinnia – California Giant Flower Seeds Mix
Because of their height, California Giant zinnias work best at the back of flowerbeds or along fences. They also make excellent cut flowers. Stems are long and strong, which makes arranging them easy. Butterflies are especially attracted to these large, flat blooms. Bees also visit often throughout the day, making them valuable pollinator plants.
This variety thrives in full sun and warm soil. They grow quickly and begin blooming soon after planting. Proper spacing is important with California Giants. Good airflow helps prevent powdery mildew and keeps plants healthy.
A Few Simple Tips For Planting Zinnias
As mentioned earlier, zinnias are best planted directly into the garden. They dislike being transplanted and perform better when seeded in place. Wait until all danger of frost has passed before planting. Soil should be warm and settled.
Always choose a sunny location with at least six to eight hours of sunlight daily. Sun exposure is critical for strong growth. Always loosen soil before planting to improve drainage. Zinnias do not tolerate soggy conditions.
Plant seeds about a quarter inch deep. Space them according to the variety you are growing. Water gently after planting and keep soil lightly moist until seedlings emerge. Germination usually occurs within ten days. Once plants are established, they require less frequent watering.
Caring For Zinnias Throughout The Growing Season
Zinnias are low-maintenance plants, but a little care improves performance. Deadheading spent blooms encourages new flowers and extends the blooming season. It will also keep plants looking fresh.
Fertilizer is rarely necessary. In fact, it can do far more harm than good as too much soil fertility can cause them not to bloom. Zinnias rarely suffer from serious pest damage. Their ability to attract beneficial insects actually offers them excellent natural protection.
Here is to growing a few of the must grow zinnia varieties featured today – and to enjoying big flower power all summer long! Happy Gardening, Jim & Mary.
Old World Garden Farm
Jim and Mary Competti have been writing gardening, DIY and recipe articles and books for over 15 years from their 46 acre Ohio farm. The two are frequent speakers on all things gardening and love to travel in their spare time.
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