Create stunning bouquets with these must-grow zinnia varieties! This guide explores the best zinnias for cutting gardens, offering bright, beautiful colors and long-lasting blooms.
Zinnias are a staple in the cutting garden, and for good reason! These bright and cheerful annuals come in a wide array of colors, shapes, and sizes, making them incredibly versatile for your cut flower garden, bouquets and arrangements.
Plus, they’re easy to grow and attract pollinators like butterflies and bees. I’ve been growing different zinnia varieties for several years and they’ll forever be a staple in my cut flower garden. So, if you’re looking to add some pizzazz to your garden and vases, look no further than these top zinnia flowers.
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Benary’s Giant Series (My Favorite of All Zinnia Varieties)
- Why we love them: These giant zinnia flowers live up to their name, producing massive blooms that can reach up to 5 inches in diameter. They come in a wide range of colors, including scarlet, rose, salmon, purple, and white.
- Cut flower advantage: Their long, sturdy stems make them perfect for tall arrangements.
- Size: 3-4 feet tall with a spread of 1-2 feet.
Queen Lime Series
- Why we love them: This unique variety boasts stunning lime green blooms with dark red centers. They add a touch of whimsy and contrast to any bouquet.
- Cut flower advantage: Their unusual color combination makes them a real showstopper in arrangements.
- Size: 3-3.5 feet tall with a spread of 1.5-2 feet.
Oklahoma Series
- Why we love them: These zinnias are known for their extra-large, fully double blooms that resemble dahlias. They come in rich shades of red, pink, orange, and yellow.
- Cut flower advantage: Their large, fluffy blooms add volume and texture to bouquets.
- Size: 2-3 feet tall with a spread of 1-1.5 feet.
Seniorita Zinnias
- Why we love them: This zinnia variety tropical salmon-pink petals that curl with a tousled look.
- Cut flower advantage: Their unusual shape and long stems create visual interest in bouquets.
- Size: Varies depending on the specific mix, but generally 2-4 feet tall with a spread of 1-2 feet.
Lilliput Series
- Why we love them: These petite zinnias produce small, button-like blooms that are perfect for adding filler and texture to arrangements. They come in a variety of colors, including white, yellow, orange, and pink.
- Cut flower advantage: Their small size and long stems make them ideal for creating delicate, airy bouquets.
- Size: 1-2 feet tall with a spread of 1 foot.
Zowie! Yellow Flame
- Why we love them: This striking variety features bicolored petals with a fiery mix of yellow and orange. The vibrant blooms add a bold pop of color to any arrangement.
- Cut flower advantage: Their long stems and eye-catching colors make them a focal point in bouquets.
- Size: 2-2.5 feet tall with a spread of 2 feet.
Giant Dahlia-Flowered Zinnia Varieties
- Why we love them: As the name suggests, these zinnias boast huge, dahlia-like blooms in a variety of rich colors. They create a lush, abundant look in arrangements.
- Cut flower advantage: Their impressive size and full, double form add drama and texture.
- Size: 3-4 feet tall with a spread of 1.5-2 feet.
Uproar Rose
- Why we love them: This variety produces masses of vibrant rose-pink blooms on a compact, bushy plant.
- Cut flower advantage: Their abundant blooms and sturdy stems make them perfect for creating full, lush bouquets.
- Size: 12-18 inches tall with a similar spread.
Envy
- Why we love them: This popular variety is known for its unique chartreuse green flowers that complement any color scheme.
- Cut flower advantage: “Envy” adds a sophisticated touch and works beautifully as a filler or as a contrasting element.
- Size: 2.5-3 feet tall with a spread of 1.5-2 feet.
Purple Prince
- Why we love them: This variety offers rich, deep purple flowers with a velvety texture.
- Cut flower advantage: The dramatic color adds depth and richness to arrangements.
- Size: 3-4 feet tall with a spread of 1.5-2 feet.
Magellan Series
- Why we love them: These dwarf zinnias pack a punch with their huge, double blooms in a vibrant array of colors, including cherry, coral, pink, orange, scarlet, ivory, and yellow.
- Cut flower advantage: Their compact size makes them perfect for smaller arrangements or adding pops of color to larger bouquets.
- Size: 9-12 inches tall and wide.
State Fair Giant Series
- Why we love them: These impressive zinnias boast large, diverse blooms in a wide spectrum of colors and are more resistant to common zinnia diseases.
- Cut flower advantage: Their tall stems and large flowers make them ideal for creating dramatic arrangements.
- Size: 30-48 inches tall with a spread of 12-16 inches.
Little Flower Girl
- Why we love them: This charming variety features a profusion of small, delicate blooms in a lovely shade of rose-pink.
- Cut flower advantage: Their dainty size and long stems make them ideal for creating romantic, whimsical arrangements.
- Size: 12-18 inches tall with a spread of 10-12 inches.
Zinderella Series
- Why we love them: The Zinderella series offers unique, ruffled blooms with a captivating central eye, adding a touch of elegance to your floral creations.
- Cut flower advantage: Their distinctive form and long stems create visual interest in bouquets.
- Size: 25-30 inches tall with a spread of 15-18 inches.
Precious Metals
- Why we love them: This unique blend offers a captivating mix of warm-toned zinnias in shades of gold, bronze, and copper.
- Cut flower advantage: Their rich, metallic hues add depth and sophistication to arrangements, blending beautifully with other autumnal colors.
- Size: 18-24 inches tall with a spread of 12-18 inches.
Zinnia Varieties: Where to Buy Seeds
You can find zinnia seeds at a variety of retailers, both online and in-store. Here are a few reputable sources to check out:
- Local nurseries and garden centers: Supporting local businesses is always a great option! Your local nursery or garden center likely carries a selection of zinnia seeds and can offer personalized advice.
- Online seed retailers: Online retailers offer a wider variety of zinnia seeds, including some of the more unique and specialty varieties mentioned in this post. Some popular options include:
- Seed catalogs: Many seed companies offer catalogs with detailed descriptions and photos of their zinnia varieties. This can be a great way to browse and discover new favorites.
Tips for Choosing Zinnia Varieties to Grow From Seed
- Look for high-quality seeds: Choose seeds from reputable sources to ensure good germination rates and healthy plants.
- Consider your climate: Select zinnia varieties that are well-suited to your growing conditions.
- Think about your color scheme: Choose zinnia colors that complement your existing garden or the arrangements you want to create.
- Read reviews: If you’re unsure about a particular variety, read online reviews from other gardeners to get their insights.
To learn my best tips about planting zinnia seeds, please read this post: The Best Way to Start Zinnia Seeds.
Designing With Different Zinnia Varieties in Your Cut Flower Garden
- Create a backdrop: Plant taller zinnia varieties like Benary’s Giants or Purple Prince at the back of the border to create a colorful backdrop for shorter plants.
- Embrace color blocking: Plant zinnias in bold blocks of color for a dramatic impact. Consider a vibrant mix of Oklahoma Series zinnias in shades of red, orange, and yellow.
- Mix and mingle: Intersperse zinnias with other cut flower favorites like cosmos, dahlias, and sunflowers for a diverse and textured display.
- Consider height and spread: Refer to the size information provided for each variety to ensure proper spacing and avoid overcrowding.
- Succession planting: Sow zinnia seeds every few weeks to ensure a continuous supply of blooms throughout the season.
- Edge with Lilliputs: Use the compact Lilliput zinnias to edge pathways or create borders within the garden.
Tips for Growing the Best Zinnias Varieties
Zinnias are thankfully low-maintenance and easy to grow, rewarding gardeners with abundant blooms throughout the summer. Here are some tips to ensure your zinnias thrive:
- Sunlight: Zinnias need at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day to produce the most flowers. Plant zinnias in a sunny location.
- Soil: Well-drained soil is crucial. Zinnias don’t like soggy roots but aren’t super picky with their soil. Amending your soil with compost can improve drainage and provide nutrients.
- Watering: Water deeply and consistently, especially during hot, dry periods. Aim to water at the base of the plants to avoid wetting the foliage, which can encourage diseases.
- Spacing: Give your zinnias room to breathe! Proper spacing depends on the variety, so check the seed packet for recommendations. Good airflow helps prevent fungal issues.
- Pinching: For bushier plants and more blooms, pinch back young zinnia seedlings when they are about 6 inches tall. This encourages branching.
- Deadheading: Snip off spent flowers regularly. This prevents the plant from putting energy into seed production and encourages more blooms to develop.
- Supporting: Taller zinnia varieties, especially those with large blooms, may need support to prevent them from flopping over. Use stakes, cages, or grow-through supports to keep them upright. This is especially important in windy locations. To learn more about how to support tall zinnia flowers, read this post.
- Pests and Diseases: Keep an eye out for common pests like aphids, Japanese Beetles, and powdery mildew. For tips about keeping Japanese Beetles from decimating your zinnias, read this post.
Want to learn more about keeping your zinnias healthy and thriving? Check out my in-depth guide to zinnia care.
Final Thoughts About the Best Zinnia Varieties
With their incredible array of colors, shapes, and sizes, zinnias are a cut flower gardener’s dream. While I don’t grow every one of these varieties every year, I cultivate several from this list. throught the years, I’ve come to appreciate Uproar Rose, Benary’s Giant Wine, Oklahoma Salmon, and the Queen Lime series in my gardens every season. But I also enjoy trying newer zinnia varieites like precious metals and little flower girl.
What are your favorite zinnias to grow? Will you try any of these in your cutting garden this year? Let’s chat more about it in the comments below.
For more zinnia varieties to grow, check out this article from Clemson University Cooperative Extension.
To drill down on more beginner gardening techniques and tips, please read these posts:
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