Zinnia ‘Persian Carpet Mix’

Zinnia elegans

Features

  • Cut-and-come-again
  • Easy to grow
  • Heat-loving
  • Pollinator-friendly
  • Suitable for containers

Description

This vibrant old-fashioned mix includes a wide range of miniature blooms in shades of orange, gold, mahogany, and many unique bicolors. While plants are compact in size, they are easy to grow and churn out an abundant amount of stems for cutting from midsummer to early autumn. These reliable bloomers are a great addition to the cutting garden and front of the flower border.

Details

Plant type: annual
Height: 18 to 24 in
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 75 to 90 days
Plant spacing: 9 in
Pinch: when 8 to 12 in tall

Seed Sowing & Growing Notes

Start seed indoors in trays 4 to 6 weeks before last frost; transplant out after all danger of frost has passed. Zinnias can also be direct-seeded once the weather has warmed.

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 vibrant old-fashioned mix includes a wide range of miniature blooms in shades of orange, gold, mahogany, and many unique bicolors. While plants are compact in size, they are easy to grow and churn out an abundant amount of stems for cutting from midsummer to early autumn. These reliable bloomers are a great addition to the cutting garden and front of the flower border.

Details

Plant type: annual
Height: 18 to 24 in
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 75 to 90 days
Plant spacing: 9 in
Pinch: when 8 to 12 in tall

Seed Sowing & Growing Notes

Start seed indoors in trays 4 to 6 weeks before last frost; transplant out after all danger of frost has passed. Zinnias can also be direct-seeded once the weather has warmed.

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

Winter Mini Course

Learn how to start flowers from seed in this three-part video series

In our upcoming Winter Mini Course, you’ll learn everything you need to know to successfully start flowers from seed, including all of the necessary supplies, step-by-step instructions, special tips and tricks, and how to create a simple indoor seed-starting area.