Scabiosa-flowered Zinnia
Zinderella Lilac Zinnia brings a soft, sophisticated color to summer and fall gardens with its lilac-toned blooms on compact 24-30 inch plants. This cultivar of Zinnia elegans germinates quickly and blooms within 63-84 days from seed, thriving in full sun across hardiness zones 2-11. Deer leave it alone, pollinators flock to it, and it tolerates drought once established, though it truly shines with regular watering. Its graceful form and extended bloom season from June through November make it a reliable addition to cottage gardens, borders, and cut-flower arrangements.
Full Sun
Moderate
2-11
30in H x 18in W
Annual
High
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The lilac blooms emerge reliably within two to three months, creating a continuous display through summer and into late fall. Once established, this variety handles dry spells gracefully while still performing beautifully with regular moisture. Its compact stature, typically reaching 24-30 inches tall and 18 inches wide, makes it easy to site in mixed beds or containers without overwhelming surrounding plants. Butterflies and other pollinators gravitate toward the flowers while deer consistently pass it by.
Zinderella Lilac Zinnia excels as a cut flower, with blooms that hold up well in arrangements and continue opening over several days in the vase. Its bright pollinator appeal makes it valuable in gardens designed to support butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects. The manageable height and long season of color suit it well for garden borders, containers, and mixed plantings where you want reliable color without the bulk of taller varieties.
Sow indoors 6-8 weeks before your last spring frost, pressing seeds into moist soil at a depth of 1/16 to 1/4 inch. Keep the soil at 70-80°F during germination; seeds typically sprout within 5-10 days. Provide bright light once seedlings emerge.
Harden off seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over 7-10 days. Transplant outdoors after your last spring frost, spacing plants 18 inches apart in full sun.
Direct sowing is recommended in most climates. Sow seeds directly in the garden after the last spring frost once soil has warmed. Plant at a depth of 1/16 to 1/4 inch and keep the seedbed moist until germination occurs.
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