Zinnia is a cheerful, fast-growing annual loved for its bold, daisy- or dahlia-like flowers in fiery reds, oranges, yellows, pinks and whites. Heat- and drought-tolerant once established, it is one of the easiest summer and monsoon flowers for Indian gardens, blooming abundantly on upright stems. Flowers attract butterflies and make excellent long-lasting cut blooms. Available as compact dwarf types for pots and tall varieties for borders, zinnia thrives in full sun and poor-to-average soil. Sow directly where it is to grow and enjoy weeks of vibrant colour with very little fuss.
Specifications
| Family |
Asteraceae |
| Native region |
Mexico |
| Mature height |
25-90 cm |
| Mature spread |
20-40 cm |
| Growth rate |
Fast |
| Foliage |
Rough, lance-shaped green leaves |
| Flower colour |
Red, orange, yellow, pink, white, purple |
| Flower season |
Summer to monsoon (Mar-Oct) |
| Climate zone |
Warm-season annual |
Care guide
| Sunlight |
Full sun for maximum flowering |
| Watering |
Moderate; water at base, let soil dry slightly |
| Soil / mix |
Well-drained, average to fertile soil |
| Temperature |
Loves warmth, 20-35 C |
| Humidity |
Tolerates humidity; avoid wet foliage |
| Fertilizer |
Balanced feed every 3-4 weeks |
| Pruning |
Pinch tips young; deadhead to prolong bloom |
| Repotting |
Annual; sow direct or transplant once |
| Propagation |
Seed, sown directly |
| Pests & problems |
Powdery mildew, leaf spot, aphids |
| Toxicity / safety |
Non-toxic to pets and people |
| Difficulty |
Very easy |
Uses
Perfect for summer borders, cutting gardens and pots, and a magnet for butterflies. Long stems make superb, long-lasting cut flowers for the home.
Growing tips
Sow seed directly from February onwards and through the monsoon; water at the base rather than overhead to avoid powdery mildew in humid Indian conditions.