Benary's Giant Carmine Zinnia is a showstopping annual that produces enormous crimson blooms from early summer through the first frost. Growing 36 to 48 inches tall with a 30-inch spread, this cultivar of Zinnia elegans reaches full flowering in 63 to 84 days from seed, making it a reliable choice for gardeners who want bold color fast. Its large blooms and sturdy growth habit have made it a garden staple for nearly a century, thriving in full sun with moderate water and even tolerating drought once established.
2
Full Sun
Moderate
2-11
48in H x 30in W
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High
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The giant carmine flowers of this zinnia are genuinely commanding; they arrive abundantly from June through November and attract bees and butterflies with reliable enthusiasm. Spacing just 2 inches apart at sowing, these plants grow vigorously into substantial specimens that need minimal coaxing. Deer leave them untouched, and the blooms keep coming even through heat and dry spells, which means you're not constantly fussing to keep the display alive.
Benary's Giant Carmine Zinnia is grown primarily as a cut flower and garden display plant. The large, densely petaled blooms are excellent for cutting bouquets and arrangements, where they hold their vivid carmine color for many days. Gardeners also grow these zinnias in mass plantings and borders to create bold late-summer color that bridges the gap between mid-summer bloomers and fall.
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Start seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before your last spring frost. Sow at a depth of 1/16 to 1/4 inch and maintain temperatures between 70 and 80°F for germination. Expect sprouts in 5 to 10 days.
Transplant outdoors after the last spring frost when soil has warmed. Harden off seedlings gradually before moving them to their final location.
Direct sowing is recommended. Sow seeds outdoors after the last spring frost, at a depth of 1/16 to 1/4 inch.
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