FlowerZinnia
Swizzle Series Zinnia
Swizzle Series Zinnias are compact, floriferous annuals bred by Kansas State University to thrive in challenging prairie climates while delivering oversized blooms on surprisingly short plants. These F1 hybrids reach just 10-12 inches tall but produce semi-doubled flowers up to 4 inches across, creating a dramatic cottage-garden effect in small spaces. From seed to flowering garden takes just 50-59 days, and they grow reliably in hardiness zones 3-10 with full sun and simple care. If you're after maximum flower power from minimal plant real estate, these are the zinnias to grow.
Photo © True Leaf Market
Growing Conditions
USDA Zone
3-10
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
Moderate
Soil
Well-drained, Moderately Fertile Loam
Growth Stats
12 in
Height
TypeBush
Spacing
10
Plant Profile
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
Moderate
Zones
3-10
Size
12in H x ?in W
Growth
—
Care
High
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Highlights
The Swizzle Series was engineered specifically for harsh growing conditions, yet it produces blooms so large and prolific that you'd never guess from the diminutive plant. Kansas State University adapted these seeds to maximize both flower production and visual impact in demanding climates, resulting in semi-doubled flowers that can reach 4 inches across on plants barely a foot tall. This ratio of bloom-to-plant-size is rare, making them exceptional for containers, small gardens, and anyone who wants cut flowers without devoting serious square footage to growing them.
Common Uses
Swizzle Series Zinnias are grown for cut flowers and garden display. The large semi-doubled blooms are ideal for fresh arrangements, and the compact growth habit makes them exceptionally valuable for containers, borders, and small garden spaces where taller varieties would overwhelm the design. Florists and home gardeners alike appreciate them for their rapid turnaround from seed to harvestable flowers.
Growing Timeline
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Care Instructions
Start Indoors
Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before your last spring frost. Sow seeds on the soil surface or just barely press them in, as zinnia seeds benefit from light exposure to germinate. Maintain soil temperatures between 70-75°F for best germination rates, which should occur within 7-10 days. Transplant seedlings to larger containers once they develop true leaves.
Transplant Outdoors
Harden off seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over 7-10 days. Transplant outdoors after all danger of frost has passed and soil has warmed to at least 60°F. Space plants 10 inches apart, with rows 12 inches apart. Water gently after transplanting to settle soil around the roots.
Direct Sow
Direct sow seeds outdoors after all frost danger has passed and soil temperature reaches 60°F or warmer. Sow seeds on or just barely beneath the soil surface, press lightly, and keep soil consistently moist until seedlings are established. Thin seedlings to 10 inches apart once they develop true leaves.
Harvesting
Cut flowers for arrangements in early morning when stems are fully hydrated. Choose blooms that have fully opened but still feel firm; the semi-doubled flowers typically reach their peak visual appeal within a few days of opening. Cut stems at a 45-degree angle just above a leaf node to encourage branching and more blooms from that point. Flowers should reach harvestable size within 50-59 days from sowing.
Pruning
Deadheading is the primary maintenance task for Swizzle Series Zinnias. Pinch or snip off spent blooms regularly to encourage more flowers; the compact growth habit of this series responds vigorously to deadheading. No heavy pruning is necessary due to the naturally compact, bushy form.
Growing Calendar
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Companion Planting
Pests & Diseases
Ecology & Traits
Scientific Classification
Zinnia elegans
Family
Asteraceae
Genus
Zinnia
Growth Habit
Bush
History & Origin
“The Swizzle Series emerged from breeding work at Kansas State University, where horticulturists set out to develop zinnias specifically adapted to the demanding prairie climate. Rather than selecting for tall, sprawling plants, the breeders focused on creating compact forms that could endure wind, variable moisture, and temperature swings while maintaining vigorous flower production. This deliberate adaptation resulted in an F1 hybrid that delivers the aesthetic and productivity gardeners crave without requiring the coddling that many ornamental zinnia varieties demand.”