Zinnia 'Queeny Lime Orange'
Zinnia elegans
Great zinnia, terrible name (I feel like I can say that, because I used it in my own wedding—keep reading). I hate to be negative, and I totally respect the breeder of this series for its otherwise amazing qualities, but I almost cannot. Things went from bad to worse when they went from "Queen" to "Queeny."
I am doing my best to be charitable and give the benefit of the doubt that something was lost in translation as far as the name (this series came to us from Germany, so I have to assume the German name sounds really good).
Anyway, the fact they are included in our seed launch despite this tells you I how much I love the flowers! Because I adore this series for design. I even used this particular variety in an installation for our own wedding reception. YEAH. Despite the name. Because it's just that good!
They are the perfect size for floral design and they aren't orange-orange. They are more subtle, with shades of apricot, peach, salmon, rose, and burnt sienna with an ombré gradient. I love them with Hot Biscuits amaranth, Labyrinth dahlias, Juliet roses, and peachy-pink lisianthus (Celeb & Voyage)—a bit specific, but totally the vibe.
Zinnias are one of the most popular and easiest cut flowers for the flower farm and garden. They are incredibly productive and have a wide range of colors, shapes, and sizes. As a native to the Americas, they are relatively heat and drought tolerant.
That said, I’m picky about my zinnias! While we’ve grown many varieties over the years, my favorites are the unusual colors and smaller varieties for design. I kept our collection minimal, because these are the ones I truly love!
Packet contains approximately 50 seeds.
DETAILS
Plant type: Annual
Days to maturity: 75–85 days
Light preference: Full sun
Plant spacing: 9-12 inches
Plant height: 30–40 inches
Hybrid status: Open pollinated
SOWING
Depth: 1/4 inch
Days to germination: 3–5 days at 80–85°F
How to Grow
Sow indoors 4–5 weeks before transplanting out after all danger of frost (zinnias are very sensitive to cold). Lower temperatures will result in slower germination: 5–7 days at 70–75°F. Can also be direct sown.
Harvest & Vase Life
Harvest just before the blooms are completely open during the coolest parts of the day. When harvesting, use the "wiggle test": gently grasp about halfway down the stem and then gently shake it back and forth. If flower head is floppy, it’s not ready. If the stem is stiff and the head does not bobble, it’s ready to harvest! Considered a "dirty flower," zinnias will turn water murky and benefit from a slow-release chlorine tablet (or drop of bleach) in vase water. Sensitive to cold, do not store in the cooler.
Expected vase life: 6+ days.
SHIPPING
FREE: $100 or more on any seeds
$3.95: 1–9 seed packets
$7.95: 10+ seed packets
Photo Credit: Petal Back Farm & Johnny's Selected Seeds
