Benary's Giant Purple Zinnia is a luxurious heirloom variety that brings deep, velvet-like blooms to the summer garden with remarkable presence. These dramatic flowers reach 4 to 6 inches across with distinctive double petals and strong stems ideally suited for cutting. Growing 36 to 48 inches tall with a bushy habit, the plants flower prolifically from June through November, typically blooming 63 to 84 days from seed. Their rich purple color and robust constitution make them equally stunning in bouquets or massed in garden beds.
9
Full Sun
Moderate
3-11
48in H x 30in W
—
High
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The flowers possess an almost regal quality, with their deep purple double blooms and impressive 4 to 6 inch diameter creating a bold visual impact rarely seen in annual zinnias. Strong, sturdy stems make these cuts so reliable that florists favor the Benary's Giant collection for professional arrangements. Beyond their ornamental appeal, these plants are notably drought tolerant and attract pollinators throughout the season while remaining completely deer resistant, making them dependable performers in diverse garden conditions.
Benary's Giant Purple Zinnias excel as cut flowers, where their strong stems and large, long-lasting blooms command attention in arrangements and bouquets. Their height and full bushy growth also make them excellent choices for the back of perennial borders or as focal points in mixed flower beds. The prolific blooming habit ensures a steady supply of flowers for both garden enjoyment and household arrangements throughout the summer and fall.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Sow seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before your last spring frost. Maintain soil temperature at 70 to 80°F for germination, which typically occurs within 5 to 10 days. Sow into 72-cell flats or preferred seedling containers and cover seeds lightly. Use a heat mat if needed to maintain consistent temperature, as cooler conditions slow germination significantly. Avoid allowing seedlings to become root-bound and handle them gently during transplanting, as stress can temporarily cause double flowers to revert to single blooms.
Transplant seedlings outdoors after the last spring frost when soil has warmed to at least 70°F. Space plants 9 inches apart in their final location. Harden off seedlings gradually by exposing them to outdoor conditions over several days before planting to acclimate them to sun, wind, and temperature fluctuations.
Direct sow seeds outdoors after the last spring frost has passed. Sow 1/4 inch deep into prepared soil and keep the area consistently moist until seedlings emerge.
Cut flowers in the early morning or late evening when stems are fully hydrated for longest vase life. Select blooms that have fully opened with petals that feel firm and fresh to the touch. Cut stems at a 45-degree angle just above a leaf node, removing about one-third of the stem length for arrangements. Re-cut stems and change water every 2 to 3 days to extend vase life.
Deadheading spent flowers throughout the season encourages continued blooming and helps maintain the plant's full, bushy shape. Pinching back young plants when they reach 6 to 8 inches tall promotes branching and fuller growth, resulting in more flowers overall.
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“The Benary's Giant collection emerged from the prestigious Benary seed company, a German horticultural dynasty renowned for developing exhibition-quality flower varieties. These zinnias represent the pinnacle of classical breeding work focused on producing flowers of impressive size and substance while maintaining vigor and disease resistance. The Benary's Giant Purple has circulated through heirloom seed networks and specialty catalogs, preserving the original breeding objectives across generations of gardeners who value cut flower production and ornamental garden display.”