annual · design plant record

Zinnia elegans

Common zinnia

A seasonal colour or cutting patch. Choose a named cultivar: bedding dwarfs and tall cutting forms have different jobs.

Height at maturity

0.15–1.22 m (0.5–4 ft)

Spread at maturity

0.2–0.31 m (0.7–1 ft)

Light

Sun

Moisture

Moist, draining soil

Source-reported USDA zones

2–11 · verify subzone and cultivar

Grown as an annual across these source-listed zones; this is not winter frost hardiness.

Principal seasonal role

Summer, Autumn

Fit it to the site

Full sun, draining soil and good air movement. Regular growing-season moisture supports the display; avoid permanent saturation.

Reject shaded sites for this sun-dependent display. Source cultivar descriptions reach 4 ft despite a 3 ft general range; this record allows 4 ft. Confirm spread and spacing for the actual seed.

Keep the care in the decision

Sow outdoors after local frost risk and suitable conditions, following seed instructions. Harvest or remove spent flowers as appropriate to the cultivar; inspect leaf disease in humid conditions.

Origin & safety checks

Mexico; garden forms vary widely.

This profile does not certify edible flowers or pet safety. Do not use plants for food without appropriate identification and growing information.

Check current invasive restrictions with your local plant-health or extension authority. For pets, use the exact botanical name in a veterinary toxicity reference; for potential ingestion or exposure, get appropriate professional advice rather than relying on a design guide.