Zinnia 'Queeny Lime Red'
Zinnia elegans
I love this series despite the name (I write about it under Queeny Lime Orange). They are the perfect size for design. This variety is not quite red as the name suggests, but has more of an antique rose to smoky raspberry ombré gradient.
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
