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Zinnia: when to plant and care

Direct sow after frost; choose mildew-resistant series.

Botanical nameZinnia elegans / Z. angustifolia
Typeannual
USDA zones2–11
Sunfull sun
Waterlow-moderate
Bloomsummer to frost
Mature size1–3 ft
Planting timeAfter the last spring frost
Bed of bright pink double zinnias
Photo: 小石川人晃, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Frost-tender; cold soil stalls growth.

Example dates

PlaceDates
Austin, TX (78701)spring: Mar 17–Apr 7
Atlanta, GA (30303)spring: Mar 31–Apr 21
St. Louis, MO (63101)spring: Apr 8–29
Chicago, IL (60614)spring: Apr 17–May 8
Denver, CO (80202)spring: May 7–28
Seattle, WA (98101)spring: Mar 20–Apr 10

Every ZIP page has its own dates. Find your ZIP.

State plant programs

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Sources

Summarized in our own words from public extension publications.

All plant guides