Ornamental Zinnia
Queen Lime Orange Zinnia is a stunning cultivar of Zinnia elegans that brings creamsicle-colored blooms to any garden. These apricot-orange flowers, typically 2 to 3½ inches across and mostly double or semi-double, feature an unexpected lime green center that creates a striking visual contrast. Reaching 40 inches tall with a spread of 18 inches, this variety thrives in full sun to partial shade and produces flowers ready to harvest in just 75 days. Whether planted in borders or cutting gardens, Queen Lime Orange attracts butterflies and bumblebees while delivering abundant blooms throughout the season with regular deadheading.
Full Sun
High
2-11
40in H x 18in W
Annual
High
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The real magic of Queen Lime Orange lies in its color combination, apricot-orange petals paired with lime green centers create an almost edible-looking bloom that stops gardeners mid-step. These full, lush flowers are generously sized for a zinnia and hold up beautifully in bouquets, making them exceptional for cutting gardens. The plants stay compact enough for borders yet tall enough to create real presence, and they're relentless bloomers that only get more productive when you harvest them for arrangements. Butterflies seem drawn to them like they're a nectar jackpot.
Queen Lime Orange shines as a cut flower for fresh arrangements and bouquets, where its distinctive color combination and generous bloom size make it a standout choice. The variety excels in cutting gardens designed to supply home arrangements throughout the season. Beyond the vase, these zinnias work beautifully in flower borders and mixed plantings, where their height and butterfly-attracting qualities add both visual interest and pollinator activity to garden spaces.
Sow seeds indoors under protection several weeks before your last frost date. Seeds germinate between 70-85°F and within 6-15 days when sown lightly on sterile seedling mix and covered minimally. This head start allows you to transplant robust seedlings outdoors when conditions warm.
Transplant seedlings outdoors after the danger of frost has passed and soil has warmed. Space plants 12 inches apart with 24 inches between rows. Harden off seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions before planting to prevent transplant shock.
Direct sow seeds outdoors after frost danger has passed, planting them lightly on the soil surface and pressing gently to ensure contact.
For the longest vase life, harvest flowers in the morning when they're at their freshest and petals are just opening. Cut stems with a clean knife that has been dipped in a 10% household bleach solution to prevent disease spread. Once cut, place stems immediately in a vase with fresh water containing a few drops of bleach to prolong the flowers' beauty and prevent bacterial growth.
Deadhead spent flowers regularly to maximize bloom production. This simple practice removes developing seed heads that would otherwise direct the plant's energy away from flowering, keeping Queen Lime Orange blooming prolifically throughout the season.
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