Red Spider Zinnia is a delicate heirloom flower that brings airy elegance to summer and fall gardens with its distinctive spider-like blooms. This cultivar of Zinnia tenuifolia grows 24-30 inches tall and flowers reliably from seed to bloom in 63-84 days, making it a satisfying choice for gardeners who want quick color. The plant thrives in full sun with moderate water and handles drought well once established, while its deer-resistant nature and pollinator-attracting flowers add practical benefits to any garden scheme.
1
Full Sun
Moderate
9-11
30in H x 18in W
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High
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The spider-like bloom structure sets this zinnia apart from the dense, pompom varieties most gardeners know, creating an ethereal quality that feels both delicate and substantial. It flowers continuously from summer through fall, providing months of cutting material or garden color without demanding constant deadheading or fussy care. The combination of drought tolerance and pollinator appeal means you get reliable performance and garden activity in one compact, heat-loving plant that thrives when so many other flowers wilt.
Red Spider Zinnia serves primarily as a cutting flower and ornamental garden plant, valued for its unique spider-form blooms that add texture and movement to fresh arrangements. The airy structure makes it excellent for creating visual interest in mixed borders where its 24-30 inch height works as a mid-layer plant without blocking sightlines.
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Sow seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last spring frost. Keep soil and air at 70-80°F during germination. Plant seeds just barely covered with soil, as they need light to germinate properly. Seedlings should emerge in 7-14 days.
Harden off seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over 7-10 days before transplanting. Move them to the garden after your last spring frost when soil has warmed. Space plants 1 inch apart at transplanting, adjusting spacing based on your desired mature plant width of 12-18 inches.
Direct sow seeds outdoors after your last spring frost once soil has warmed. Plant seeds just below the soil surface and keep moist until germination occurs in 7-14 days. Direct sowing is recommended and often produces stockier plants than indoor starting.
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