How to Grow Zinnias

Botanical Name: Zinnia Elegans

Native to Mexico and Central America, zinnias are vibrant annual flowers that bloom in a dazzling array of colors.

Loved for their long-lasting blossoms and easy care, they brighten gardens and attract pollinators.

Do you want to learn how to grow Zinnia seeds? If so, let’s dive in.

  • How to Grow Zinnias
  • How to Grow Zinnias
Planting Guide Image

Zinnias Planting Guide

Method

Seedlings or direct

Sowing Depth

6mm

Season

Warm

Germination

7-10 days @ 21-29°c

Hardiness / Life Cycle

Half-hardy Annual

Row Spacing

23 – 30cm

Plant Spacing

40cm

Position

Full Sun

Days Until Maturity

90 Days

Storage

Use fresh or dried. Store in an airtight container.

When to Plant Zinnias in Australia

What growing
region am I in?
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Cool Plantable in Sep Plantable in Oct Plantable in Nov Plantable in Dec
Mild Plantable in Aug Plantable in Sep Plantable in Oct Plantable in Nov Plantable in Dec
Sub-Tropical Plantable in Jan Plantable in Feb Plantable in Jul Plantable in Aug Plantable in Sep Plantable in Oct Plantable in Nov Plantable in Dec
Tropical Plantable in Jan Plantable in Feb Plantable in Mar Plantable in Apr Plantable in May Plantable in Jun Plantable in Jul Plantable in Aug Plantable in Sep Plantable in Oct Plantable in Nov Plantable in Dec
Arid Plantable in Jan Plantable in Feb Plantable in Mar Plantable in Apr Plantable in May Plantable in Jun Plantable in Jul Plantable in Aug Plantable in Sep Plantable in Oct Plantable in Nov Plantable in Dec
Cool Mild Sub-Tropical Tropical Arid
Jan Plantable in Jan Plantable in Jan Plantable in Jan
Feb Plantable in Feb Plantable in Feb Plantable in Feb
Mar Plantable in Mar Plantable in Mar
Apr Plantable in Apr Plantable in Apr
May Plantable in May Plantable in May
Jun Plantable in Jun Plantable in Jun
Jul Plantable in Jul Plantable in Jul Plantable in Jul
Aug Plantable in Aug Plantable in Aug Plantable in Aug Plantable in Aug
Sep Plantable in Sep Plantable in Sep Plantable in Sep Plantable in Sep Plantable in Sep
Oct Plantable in Oct Plantable in Oct Plantable in Oct Plantable in Oct Plantable in Oct
Nov Plantable in Nov Plantable in Nov Plantable in Nov Plantable in Nov Plantable in Nov
Dec Plantable in Dec Plantable in Dec Plantable in Dec Plantable in Dec Plantable in Dec
What growing
region am I in?

Zinnias are one of the easiest and most rewarding flowers you can grow from seed. Fast-growing, heat-tolerant, and bursting with colour, they’re a favourite in Australian gardens for good reason.

If you want bright flowers with minimal effort, zinnias deliver — especially through warmer months when many other flowers struggle.

Why Grow Zinnias?

Zinnias are grown for both beauty and performance.

Gardeners love zinnias because they:

  • Produce bold, vibrant flowers in a wide range of colours
  • Flower quickly and continuously
  • Thrive in hot, sunny conditions
  • Attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators
  • Make excellent cut flowers

They’re ideal for beginners, kids, and anyone who wants fast results from seed.

Where Zinnias Grow Best

Zinnias love warmth and sunshine.

They perform best when:

  • Planted in full sun
  • Grown in well-drained soil
  • Given good airflow around plants

Zinnias dislike cold, damp conditions and are happiest once soils have warmed.

Growing Zinnias in Pots or Small Gardens

Zinnias grow well in garden beds, raised beds, and containers.

They’re especially suited to:

  • Backyard flower patches
  • Pollinator gardens
  • Pots and tubs in sunny positions
  • Cut-flower gardens

Choose a spot with plenty of sun and avoid overcrowding plants — airflow is key.

Caring for Zinnia Plants

Zinnias are low-maintenance once established.

To keep them performing well:

  • Water at the base rather than overhead
  • Allow soil to dry slightly between watering
  • Avoid overly rich soil or heavy fertilising
  • Remove spent flowers regularly

💡 Simple care = better blooms

Zinnias thrive when conditions are warm, sunny, and not too wet.

Deadheading Zinnias for More Flowers

Deadheading zinnias encourages longer flowering.

  • Cut flowers just above a leaf joint
  • Regular harvesting promotes more blooms
  • Perfect for cut flowers indoors

The more you pick, the more flowers you’ll get.

Are Zinnias Good for Pollinators?

Yes — zinnias are excellent pollinator plants.

They attract:

  • Bees
  • Butterflies
  • Beneficial insects

Planting zinnias alongside vegetables can help improve pollination across your garden.

Do Zinnias Self-Seed?

Zinnias are annuals, but they can self-seed under the right conditions.

If you leave a few flowers to fully mature and dry on the plant, you may see volunteer seedlings appear the following season.

Are Zinnias Easy to Grow?

Absolutely.

Zinnias are:

  • Fast-growing
  • Heat-tolerant
  • Beginner-friendly
  • Reliable in Australian conditions

They’re one of the best flowers to grow if you want colour, pollinators, and quick success from seed.

Ready to Grow Zinnias?

Zinnias are a true summer garden staple — bold, cheerful, and incredibly easy to grow. If you want a flower that thrives in heat and rewards you quickly, zinnias are hard to beat.

🌸 Bright colour. Easy growing. Big reward.