Exquisite Zinnia is a stunning heirloom annual that produces massive, fully double blooms in a luxurious range of pink tones, from deep magenta to soft rose. Growing 24 to 48 inches tall, these plants practically disappear under their own 4- to 5-inch flowers, making them showstoppers in gardens across hardiness zones 2-11. Ready to bloom in 60 to 70 days from seed, this variety thrives in full sun and rewards gardeners with continuous flowers throughout the season, attracting pollinators while delivering armfuls of cut flowers.
Full Sun
Moderate
2-11
48in H x ?in W
—
High
Hover over chart points for details
The sheer abundance of blooms is what makes Exquisite Zinnia unforgettable; plants become so covered in massive double-petaled flowers that the foliage nearly disappears beneath them. These aren't delicate zinnia blooms but substantial, nearly 5-inch flowers in rich pink hues that hold their color and form beautifully as cut flowers. The variety handles the transition from seed to flowering garden remarkably quickly for a beginner, sprouting in just 4 to 6 days and blooming within 60 to 70 days, making it gratifying for new gardeners looking for rapid results.
Exquisite Zinnia shines as a cut flower where its substantial double blooms and tall stems make bouquets feel abundant and garden-fresh. It performs equally well in borders and containers, though its generous height means larger pots work best. Pollinators flock to these flowers, making it a valuable addition to gardens designed to support bees and other beneficial insects.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Start seeds indoors 4 to 6 weeks before your last frost date. Sow at a soil temperature of 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep the seed starting mix consistently moist but not waterlogged, and expect germination within 4 to 6 days under warm conditions.
Harden off seedlings over 7 to 10 days by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions. Transplant outdoors after all frost danger has passed and soil has warmed to at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Space plants 9 inches apart in a location with full sun exposure.
Direct sow seeds into warm garden soil after the last frost date, when soil temperature reaches 70 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. Sow and thin seedlings to 9-inch spacing.
Cut flowers in early morning or late evening when stems are fully hydrated. Harvest when blooms are fully open and petals feel crisp; they'll continue opening slightly after cutting. Stems typically reach harvestable length around 60 to 70 days after sowing. Cut at an angle with a sharp knife to maximize water uptake and vase life.
Pinch back the central stem when plants are 6 to 8 inches tall, removing the first set of flower buds. This encourages branching and results in a bushier plant with more blooms overall. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to promote continuous blooming throughout the season.
Enter your ZIP code to see a personalized growing calendar for this plant.