Decorative Annual
Scarlet Flame Zinnia is a vibrant heirloom variety of Zinnia elegans that brings bold color and reliable blooms from summer through late fall. Growing 3 feet tall with a compact 12-24 inch spread, this cultivar reaches full flower in 63-84 days from seed, making it a rewarding choice for gardeners seeking fast results. The scarlet blooms appear consistently across warm months (June through November), and unlike many ornamentals, this variety shrugs off drought and deer alike while attracting pollinators throughout the season.
Full Sun
Moderate
2-11
36in H x 24in W
Annual
High
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This is a zinnia bred for longevity and resilience, flowering reliably from midsummer straight through the first frost. Scarlet Flame thrives on neglect, tolerating drought while still performing beautifully when given regular water, and its height makes it excellent for cutting gardens and backyard drama. Deer leave it alone, pollinators flock to it, and it asks very little in return except full sun and decent drainage.
Scarlet Flame is grown primarily as a cutting flower and garden ornamental, valued for its long vase life and intense color in summer and fall bouquets. Its tall, sturdy stems and profuse blooming habit make it especially useful for filling spaces in borders, creating focal points in cottage gardens, and providing reliable color when many other plants begin to fade in late summer.
Sow seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last spring frost, keeping soil temperature at 70-80°F for germination. Scarlet Flame seeds typically sprout within 5-10 days under these conditions.
Transplant seedlings outdoors after the last spring frost has passed, once soil has warmed sufficiently. Harden off seedlings gradually over 7-10 days before moving them to their final garden location.
Direct sow seeds outdoors after the last spring frost, once soil has warmed. This is the recommended method for Scarlet Flame Zinnia.
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