Benary's Giant Deep Red Zinnia is a showstopping annual flower that brings rich, blood-red blooms to gardens across zones 2-11. Developed by the renowned Benary Seeds company, founded in Erfurt, Germany in 1843, this heirloom cultivar produces fully double flowers that reach 4 to 5 inches across, making it one of the most dramatic zinnias you can grow. The compact plants mature in 60-75 days and reach just 4-5 inches tall, yet produce blooms large enough for cutting, creating a striking contrast between plant and flower size.
Full Sun
Moderate
2-11
5in H x ?in W
—
High
Hover over chart points for details
Deep blood-red petals packed densely into fully double flowers that tower above the compact plant on sturdy stems. The blooms reach 4 to 5 inches across with exceptional uniformity and a richness of color that commands attention in any garden. Germinating in just 4-6 days at warm temperatures and flowering within 60-75 days, this variety delivers fast results while maintaining the classical elegance that made Benary Seeds legendary among gardeners worldwide.
This zinnia excels as a cut flower, where its large, fully double blooms and sturdy stems make it particularly valuable for floral arrangements. The dramatic deep red color and substantial flower size translate beautifully in bouquets, particularly as a focal flower in mixed arrangements.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Sow seeds indoors 4 weeks before your last expected frost date into 72-cell flats or preferred seedling containers. Keep seeds covered and use a heat mat to maintain consistent soil temperature. Germination occurs in 5-7 days at 70-75°F (21-24°C). Do not allow seedlings to become root bound, as stress can cause temporary single-flowering in double varieties.
Transplant seedlings outdoors after the last frost date when soil temperatures have warmed and the danger of frost has completely passed. Handle the root ball carefully to avoid transplant shock, which can stress the plants.
Direct sow seeds 1/4 inch deep into warm, frost-free soil after all danger of frost has passed.
Enter your ZIP code to see a personalized growing calendar for this plant.
“This variety traces its lineage to Benary Seeds, a German seed house founded by Ernst Benary in 1843 in Erfurt. The company became renowned for developing superior varieties with larger, more uniform flowers and exceptional vigor. Benary's Giant Deep Red represents decades of careful selection within the Benary zinnia line, refined to produce consistently larger blooms with fuller petals and superior flower quality. The variety has remained in cultivation as a cherished heirloom, preserved through both seed saving and commercial production, representing a direct connection to 19th-century horticultural excellence.”