Zinnia Unicorn Mix

Zinnia elegans

Features

  • Floret original
  • Cut-and-come-again
  • Easy to grow
  • Heat-loving
  • Pollinator-friendly

Description

This variety is Chris’s very favorite, and here on the farm we affectionately refer to it as Chris’s Rainbow. He is convinced it’s going to be the next big thing!

This mix of medium-sized, domed blooms comes in an enchanting range of colors, including raspberry, tangerine, magenta, lemon, apricot, dusty lilac, and blush—all with striking lavender centers. What makes these flowers so unique is that they have a multitoned ombre effect and many of the blooms possess a rainbow-like quality. To experience their full range of coloring, allow flowers to mature on the plant.

Details

Planting depth: ¼ in
Germination soil temp: 60°F–80°F
Days to germination: 3 to 5 days
Site: full sun
Plant spacing: 9 to 12 in
Pinch: when 8 to 12 in tall
Days to maturity: 75 to 95 days
Height: 40 to 52 in

Seed Sowing & Growing Notes

Sow seeds indoors in trays or pots 4 to 6 weeks before your last frost. Zinnias are very cold sensitive, so wait until all danger of frost has passed before planting outside. Zinnias can also be direct-seeded into the garden once weather is consistently warm.

Harvesting/Vase Life

Use the “wiggle test”: Grab the stem about 8 in down from the flower and gently shake it. If the stem is droopy or bends, don’t cut yet. If the stem is stiff and remains erect, it is ready to harvest. Do not put in the cooler. Zinnias are notorious for making their water murky. To combat this, add a few drops of bleach to the water. Expect a vase life of 7 days.

Details

Description

This variety is Chris’s very favorite, and here on the farm we affectionately refer to it as Chris’s Rainbow. He is convinced it’s going to be the next big thing!

This mix of medium-sized, domed blooms comes in an enchanting range of colors, including raspberry, tangerine, magenta, lemon, apricot, dusty lilac, and blush—all with striking lavender centers. What makes these flowers so unique is that they have a multitoned ombre effect and many of the blooms possess a rainbow-like quality. To experience their full range of coloring, allow flowers to mature on the plant.

Details

Planting depth: ¼ in
Germination soil temp: 60°F–80°F
Days to germination: 3 to 5 days
Site: full sun
Plant spacing: 9 to 12 in
Pinch: when 8 to 12 in tall
Days to maturity: 75 to 95 days
Height: 40 to 52 in

Seed Sowing & Growing Notes

Sow seeds indoors in trays or pots 4 to 6 weeks before your last frost. Zinnias are very cold sensitive, so wait until all danger of frost has passed before planting outside. Zinnias can also be direct-seeded into the garden once weather is consistently warm.

Harvesting/Vase Life

Use the “wiggle test”: Grab the stem about 8 in down from the flower and gently shake it. If the stem is droopy or bends, don’t cut yet. If the stem is stiff and remains erect, it is ready to harvest. Do not put in the cooler. Zinnias are notorious for making their water murky. To combat this, add a few drops of bleach to the water. Expect a vase life of 7 days.

Sources

How to Grow

Fall Mini Course

Learn how to successfully dig, divide & store dahlias for an abundance of blooms year after year

In our free, three-part video series, you’ll learn how and when to dig up your dahlia tuber clumps, how to divide dahlias to multiply your stock, and how to successfully store dahlias for an abundance of blooms year after year.