Benary's Giant Orange Zinnia is a stunning open-pollinated annual that brings vibrant tangerine blooms to gardens from summer through fall. Descended from Ernst Benary's prestigious German seed company, established in 1843, this cultivar produces extraordinarily large flowers measuring 4 to 5 inches across with lush double petals that command attention in any garden. Growing 36 to 48 inches tall, it reaches full bloom in 63 to 84 days from seed and thrives in full sun with moderate water, making it rewarding for both novice and experienced gardeners.
9
Full Sun
Moderate
2-11
48in H x 30in W
—
High
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The flowers are genuinely spectacular: large, uniform, and densely petaled in a captivating tangerine hue that seems to glow in afternoon light. These blooms aren't shy; at 4 to 5 inches across, they're among the largest zinnias available. The plants grow tall and sturdy enough for cutting, and their ability to tolerate drought while blooming prolifically means you'll get months of color with minimal fussing. Pollinators find them irresistible, and deer won't browse them, so you can rely on these performers even in challenging conditions.
Benary's Giant Orange shines as a cut flower. The tall stems and substantial blooms make it one of the finest choices for bringing long-lasting color indoors; the flowers hold their form and vibrant color in arrangements for days. It also excels in garden display, where the height and generous flower production create focal points in borders and beds throughout the warm season.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Sow seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before your last spring frost, planting into 72-cell flats or similar containers. Keep the soil temperature at 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit during germination; a heat mat helps maintain consistency. Seeds will sprout in 5 to 10 days at these temperatures (expect 5 to 7 days at 70 to 75 degrees). Do not allow seedlings to become root-bound, and avoid disturbing roots during transplanting, as stress can temporarily reduce flower quality. Cover the seeds at sowing depth.
Transplant seedlings outdoors after the last spring frost when soil has warmed. Harden off plants gradually over several days to acclimate them to outdoor conditions. Space them 9 inches apart in the garden bed.
Direct sow outdoors is recommended. Sow seeds after the last spring frost directly into garden soil at a depth of 1/4 inch. Thin seedlings to 9 inches apart.
Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming throughout the season. This also helps maintain the plant's bushy shape and prevents it from becoming leggy.
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“This variety carries the heritage of the Benary seed empire, founded by Ernst Benary in Erfurt, Germany, in 1843. Benary's work became legendary for producing larger, more uniform, and truly spectacular zinnia flowers, and Benary's Giant Orange stands as a classic expression of that commitment to excellence. What began as a family enterprise in 19th-century Germany evolved into a worldwide standard for superior zinnia breeding, and this cultivar represents that lineage of deliberate, careful selection for size, uniformity, and vigor.”