One of the most colourful summer flowering annuals, Zinnias (Zinnia elegans), are a must for any annual garden. Their attractiveness comes from their striking fully double, dome-shaped flowers that appear on upright stems, provide a dazzling spectacle of bright colours. They are best used in the garden to create a backdrop of long lasting colour or indoors as a vibrant cut flower. A great flower to attract bees and ladybugs to the garden.


How to grow zinnia in a garden

  1. Choose a spot in the garden that receives full sun and is sheltered from strong winds.
  2. Prepare the planting area well by digging in Yates Thrive Natural Blood & Bone with Seaweed.
  3. Sow seeds directly where they are to grow and lightly cover with Yates Black Magic Seed Raising Mix. Firm down and water well.
  4. Water gently and keep moist through germination period. 
  5. Once seedlings are approximately 5 cm, mulch with an organic mulch, such as bark chips, woodchip or pea straw.
  6. Feed regularly during the growing and flowering season with Yates Thrive Rose & Flower Granular Plant Food. TIP: For an added boost, apply Yates Thrive Natural Fish & Seaweed+ Plant Food Concentrate.
 


How to grow zinnia in a pot

  1. Choose a pot at least 200 mm wide and deep. Position in full sun and is sheltered from strong winds.
  2. Fill the chosen pots with quality potting mix, such as Yates Premium Potting Mix.
  3. Plant directly into the pot by pressing the seeds lightly into the surface of the pot. Lightly cover with Yates Black Magic Seed Raising Mix.
  4. Water gently and keep moist through germination period.
  5. Feed regularly during the growing and flowering season with Yates Thrive Roses & Flowers Liquid Plant Food. TIP: For an added boost, apply Yates Thrive Natural Fish & Seaweed+ Plant Food Concentrate.
 

Yates varieties

Zinnia 'Gold Medal Mix'

These striking, fully double, dahlia-flowered blooms on 1.2m tall stems provide a dazzling spectacle of scarlet, yellow, orange and pink.

Growing tips

  • If sowing in Yates Black Magic Seed Raising Mix, take extra care when transplanting as these plants resent root disturbance. 
  • Add some mulch around the base of the plants to help retain soil moisture.
  • Remove spent blooms to encourage further flowering.
  • Pinch out first buds to encourage branching.
  • A great bee and butterfly attracting plant for the garden.
 
 

More Plants

Hellebores

Hellebores are the moody, gothic jewels of the winter garden. Learn how you can grow them in garden or in pots.

Gardenia

Gardenias have soft scented blooms in white or yellow. Depending on the variety, can be grown as a shrub, standard, hedge or ground cover.

Freesia

Freesias are a spring flowering bulb that produce scented blooms in a range of vibrant colours including pinks, white, yellow, mauve and red.

Flax

Flax (Phormium spp.) are highly versatile plants which can grow well in swampy or dry conditions. Great for large pots or en-masse in garden beds.

Recommended products

Yates Premium Potting Mix

A premium potting mix, ideal for all potted plants and shrubs, including ornamentals, fruit trees, vegies and herbs.