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Zinnia growing in a garden
Annual flower

Zinnia plant profile

Zinnia elegans

An annual flower for full sun.

Last updated .

When to plant

When to plant Zinnia

Plant zinnias outside after the last spring frost has passed. UMN directs direct-seeding once the soil reaches 70 F, or transplanting once it warms to 60 F. To start indoors, sow about 6 weeks before your outdoor planting date.

The calendar shows this cited seasonal window as an approximate band. It does not convert the season into frost-adjusted dates.

Open Zinnia in my garden calendar

Shows the source-backed planting season, not frost-adjusted dates.

Growing conditions

Sun
Full sun
Planting depth
0.25 in
Soil pH
5.5 to 7.5
Lifecycle
Annual
Spacing
8 to 24 in apart

Common problems

Watch for these

Also watch for: bacterial leaf spot, cercospora leaf spot, whiteflies.

Evidence trail

Evidence behind this profile

Original extension and institutional publications behind the planting, care, and safety facts on this page.

  1. Zinnia

    University of Minnesota Extension. Supports general reference. Checked 2026-06-11.

  2. Zinnia Insect Pests & Diseases (HGIC 2110)

    Clemson Cooperative Extension, Home & Garden Information Center. Supports problem reference. Checked 2026-06-11.

  3. Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants: Zinnia (Zinnia elegans) entry

    ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Supports pet-safety verdicts for dogs and cats. Checked 2026-07-18.