Zinnia ‘Benary’s Giant Carmine’
Zinnia elegans
Description
One of the largest-flowered varieties of zinnias available, ‘Benary’s Giant Carmine’ features beautiful broad blooms and a high percentage of double flowers. Plants reach 3 to 4 ft tall and have long, strong stems and great disease resistance. As the glowing raspberry-pink blooms age, the outer tips of the petals fade, giving flowers a multidimensional quality.
Details
Plant type: annual
Height: 36 to 48 in
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 75 to 90 days
Plant spacing: 9 in
Pinch: when 8 to 12 in tall
Height: 36 to 48 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
One of the largest-flowered varieties of zinnias available, ‘Benary’s Giant Carmine’ features beautiful broad blooms and a high percentage of double flowers. Plants reach 3 to 4 ft tall and have long, strong stems and great disease resistance. As the glowing raspberry-pink blooms age, the outer tips of the petals fade, giving flowers a multidimensional quality.
Details
Plant type: annual
Height: 36 to 48 in
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 75 to 90 days
Plant spacing: 9 in
Pinch: when 8 to 12 in tall
Height: 36 to 48 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
Sources
How to Grow
Winter Mini Course: Seed-Starting 101
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.
