Dark Sunflower
Moulin Rouge Zinnia is a tall annual flower that reaches 36 to 42 inches, producing abundant blooms on long, cutting-ready stems. This cultivar thrives in full sun and ordinary garden soil, rewarding gardeners with flowers from summer through frost with consistent deadheading and proper spacing. Sow seeds in spring after temperatures reliably stay above 50°F, and you'll have vibrant cut flowers throughout the season.
Full Sun
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?-?
42in H x ?in W
Perennial
High
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This tall zinnia grows vigorously in full sun and responds beautifully to regular cutting, encouraging the plant to branch low and produce blooms continuously all summer long. Space plants 12 inches apart to ensure good air circulation, which keeps the foliage healthy and prevents mildew. Harvest flowers when petals are still tight for the longest vase life, and cut well back into the plant to fuel more branching and more blooms.
Moulin Rouge Zinnias are grown for cutting, producing long stems ideal for summer bouquets. Harvest flowers at their peak when petals are tight, and the blooms will last longer in a vase. Regular cutting encourages more flowers, so this variety rewards frequent harvesting with sustained production through the growing season.
Four weeks before your last frost date, sow seeds 1/2 inch deep and 3 inches apart in seed starting mix. Keep the mix warm and moist, and provide strong light until seedlings are ready to transplant outdoors when nighttime temperatures consistently stay above 50°F.
Once seedlings are large enough to handle, thin or transplant them to stand 8 to 12 inches apart. This spacing gives plants adequate room for good air circulation and allows them to grow and bloom freely.
Pick flowers when blossoms first open and petals are still tight for the longest vase life. Cut long stems well back into the plant, removing at least several inches of stem rather than just the flower head.
Cut flowers frequently and cut long stems well back into the plant rather than just pinching the tops. This pruning method keeps plants branching low and producing abundant blooms throughout the season.
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