Benary's Giant Lilac Zinnia is a robust annual flower that commands attention with its oversized blooms in a striking lilac hue. Growing 36 to 48 inches tall with a mature spread of 30 inches, this cultivar of Zinnia elegans fills the garden with color from June through November, reaching full bloom in just 63 to 84 days from seed. The flowers attract pollinators reliably, while the plant shrugs off drought and deer browsing with ease, making it both a practical and gorgeous choice for summer and fall gardens.
2
Full Sun
Moderate
2-11
48in H x 30in W
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High
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These giant zinnias produce substantial, full blooms that make exceptional cut flowers for arrangements and bouquets. The lilac coloring stands out in a crowd of reds and pinks, offering gardeners a softer palette option without sacrificing impact. Direct sowing after the last frost yields robust plants quickly, and their tolerance for both heat and dry spells means they thrive even when other flowers flag in mid-summer stress.
Benary's Giant Lilac Zinnia is primarily grown as a cut flower and landscape ornamental. The large, long-stemmed blooms are excellent for fresh arrangements, and the tall habit (36 to 48 inches) makes these zinnias stand out in mixed beds and cutting gardens. Their prolific flowering through fall also renders them valuable for extending seasonal color into the cooler months.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Sow seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before your last spring frost. Sow at a depth of 1/16 to 1/4 inch and maintain soil temperature between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Seeds will sprout in 5 to 10 days. Transplant seedlings outdoors after the last frost once soil has warmed.
Transplant seedlings outdoors after the last spring frost when soil has warmed. Space plants 2 inches apart to ensure adequate air circulation.
Direct sow after the last spring frost. This method is recommended for Benary's Giant Lilac Zinnia. Sow seeds at a depth of 1/16 to 1/4 inch and keep soil moist until seedlings emerge.
Harvest blooms for cutting once flowers are fully open and petals have achieved their full lilac color. Cut stems early in the morning when plant tissues are most turgid, using clean, sharp scissors or pruners. Remove spent blooms regularly throughout the summer and fall to encourage continued flowering and extend the bloom season into November.
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