Zinnia ‘Golden Hour’

Zinnia elegans

Features

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

Description

This variety is named for the most beautiful time of day—the hour before the sun sets on the horizon. Large flowers come in a range of warm honey and cantaloupe shades that look as if they are glowing. As flowers age, the lower petals take on the faintest cranberry edging that beautifully complements their red eyes. This is the very first variety bred on the farm.

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: 48 to 56 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 named for the most beautiful time of day—the hour before the sun sets on the horizon. Large flowers come in a range of warm honey and cantaloupe shades that look as if they are glowing. As flowers age, the lower petals take on the faintest cranberry edging that beautifully complements their red eyes. This is the very first variety bred on the farm.

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: 48 to 56 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

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.