Golden State Zinnia is a vibrant annual that delivers bold golden-yellow blooms from summer through fall, thriving in zones 2-11 with minimal fuss. This heirloom variety grows 30-36 inches tall with sturdy stems perfect for cutting, reaching full bloom in 70-90 days from seed. A drought-tolerant powerhouse that loves full sun and well-drained soil, it attracts butterflies and bees while shrugging off deer pressure, making it equally at home in flower borders, cutting gardens, or containers.
1
Full Sun
Moderate
2-11
36in H x 18in W
—
High
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Golden State Zinnias produce large, luminous golden-yellow flowers on stems robust enough for cutting, blooming prolifically from midsummer straight through the first frost. The combination of drought tolerance and pollinator magnetism means you get bold garden color with minimal watering once established, while their compact spacing needs (just 1 inch apart) lets you pack serious bloom power into small spaces. These plants thrive in heat and full sun, actually performing better when stressed conditions would wilt lesser flowers.
Golden State Zinnias excel as cut flowers, holding up beautifully in arrangements for 7-10 days with clean water changes. Their long, sturdy stems and prolific blooming make them workhorses for flower beds and borders, while their compact nature suits containers on patios, decks, and balconies. Gardeners also grow them specifically to feed pollinator populations throughout the growing season.
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Sow seeds 6-8 weeks before your last spring frost, planting them 1/16 to 1/4 inch deep in a warm location. Keep germination conditions at 70-80°F; seedlings should sprout in 5-10 days. Transplant seedlings into individual pots once they develop true leaves and harden them off gradually before moving them outside.
Move hardened-off seedlings outdoors after all danger of frost has passed and soil has warmed. Space plants 1 inch apart, though closer spacing maximizes flower production in small areas. Plant into well-draining soil amended with organic, all-purpose granular fertilizer.
Direct sowing is recommended. Wait until after the last spring frost to sow seeds directly into the garden where you want them to bloom. Sow at a depth of 1/16 to 1/4 inch and keep the soil moist until seedlings emerge in 5-10 days.
Cut flowers in the early morning when blooms are fully open but still fresh. Harvest stems by cutting just above a leaf node to encourage the plant to branch and produce more flowers. Golden State Zinnias last 7-10 days in a vase with fresh water and regular stem refreshing.
Pinch back young plants when they reach 4-6 inches tall to encourage bushier, more branching growth and increase flower production. Remove spent blooms regularly to extend flowering through fall and redirect energy into new flowers rather than seed production.
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