Benary's Giant Lime is a chartreuse stunner that brings an electric pop of color to summer gardens and flower arrangements. These glowing 4-inch double blooms emerge on sturdy, 36-48 inch stems from seed in just 60-75 days, making them a reliable choice for gardeners who want impact without a long wait. Part of the celebrated Benary's Giant zinnia line, this heirloom annual thrives in full sun and moderate water, handling drought with ease once established while drawing pollinators throughout the season. The long vase life and strong stems make it equally at home in garden beds or cutting bouquets.
9
Full Sun
Moderate
3-11
48in H x 30in W
—
High
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Four-inch luminous lime-colored double flowers bloom prolifically from midsummer through fall, creating a refreshing contrast against dark foliage or warm-toned companion plantings. The bushy plants reach 3-4 feet tall with sturdy stems that support heavy blooms without flopping, a trait that flower farmers and designers rely on. Germination happens quickly (5-10 days), and blooms arrive in 60-75 days, giving gardeners nearly half a year of continuous color in warm climates. Heat and drought tolerance, combined with strong deer resistance and pollinator appeal, means this variety demands minimal fussing once it finds its spot.
Benary's Giant Lime excels as a cut flower, with florists and flower farmers favoring the long, sturdy stems and extended vase life for both formal arrangements and casual bouquets. The height and robust branching habit also make it a striking focal point in garden beds, borders, and containers where its chartreuse tones can glow against darker plantings or complement warm sunset hues.
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Sow seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before your last spring frost in 72-cell flats or preferred seedling containers. Cover seeds lightly and maintain soil temperature at 70-80°F for germination; they will sprout in 5-7 days at 70-75°F. Use a heat mat if necessary to maintain consistent warmth. Keep seedlings from becoming root-bound and avoid disturbing roots during transplanting, as stress can cause double-flowering varieties to temporarily produce single blooms.
Transplant seedlings outdoors after your last spring frost when soil has warmed and nighttime temperatures stay above 70°F. Harden off seedlings gradually over 7-10 days by exposing them to increasing amounts of direct sun and wind. Space transplants 9 inches apart in their planting location.
Direct sow seeds outdoors after the last spring frost, planting 1/4 inch deep. Direct sowing is recommended and will produce results; seeds germinate in 5-10 days in warm soil.
Deadhead spent flowers regularly to maintain a bushy habit and encourage continuous blooming throughout the season. Pinching the stem tips when plants are 6-8 inches tall will promote fuller branching and more abundant flowers.
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“Benary's Giant Lime belongs to the Benary's Giant zinnia series, a lineage of exhibition-quality flowers developed for gardeners and commercial growers seeking size, stem strength, and reliable double blooms. The lime cultivar represents decades of selection within the Zinnia elegans species for vigor and consistent color expression. As an heirloom variety preserved and distributed through seed catalogs, it carries the practical wisdom of gardeners who chose it year after year for its dependability and sheer visual presence.”