Zinnia Elegans Giant Dahlia Flowered Mix
Zinnia elegans 'Giant Dahlia Flowered Mix'
A classic heirloom zinnia variety that produces enormous 5-6 inch blooms resembling dahlias in a spectacular range of colors including pink, red, orange, yellow, and white. These tall, sturdy plants are beloved by both gardeners and pollinators, creating impressive cut flower gardens and stunning backdrops in borders. The long-lasting blooms get better with heat and continue producing until the first hard frost.
Harvest
75-85d
Days to harvest
Sun
ZIN-ee-ah el-eh-GANZ
Zones
2–11
USDA hardiness
Height
0-3 feet
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Zinnia Elegans Giant Dahlia Flowered Mix in USDA Zone 7
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Zinnia Elegans Giant Dahlia Flowered Mix · Zones 2–11
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
| Zone | Indoor Start | Transplant | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 3 | April – May | June – July | June – August | — |
| Zone 4 | March – April | June – June | June – July | — |
| Zone 5 | March – April | May – June | May – July | — |
| Zone 6 | March – April | May – June | May – July | — |
| Zone 7 | February – March | April – May | April – June | — |
| Zone 8 | February – March | April – May | April – June | — |
| Zone 9 | January – February | March – April | March – May | — |
| Zone 10 | January – January | February – March | February – April | — |
Complete Growing Guide
Light: ZIN-ee-ah el-eh-GANZ. Soil: High Organic Matter, Loam (Silt). Drainage: Good Drainage, Occasionally Dry. Height: 0 ft. 6 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 0 ft. 8 in. - 1 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: 12 inches-3 feet. Growth rate: Rapid. Maintenance: Medium. Propagation: Seed. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.
Harvesting
Type: Achene.
Bloom time: Fall, Summer
Storage & Preservation
Fresh-cut Giant Dahlia zinnias last 7-10 days in arrangements when properly conditioned. Store cut stems in clean water with flower food, changing water every 2-3 days and recutting stems underwater. Keep arrangements away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
For dried flowers, harvest blooms at peak freshness and hang them upside down in small bundles in a warm, dry, dark location with good air circulation. They'll dry completely in 2-3 weeks, retaining much of their vibrant color. The thick, dahlia-like petals dry beautifully and maintain their form well.
Seed saving is another preservation method – allow some flowers to go to seed naturally on the plant. Harvest seeds when flower heads are completely dry and brown, typically 4-6 weeks after bloom. Store dried seeds in paper envelopes in a cool, dry location for up to 6 years.
History & Origin
Zinnia elegans Giant Dahlia Flowered Mix represents the pinnacle of zinnia breeding achievement from the mid-20th century. Originally developed from the basic Zinnia elegans species native to Mexico, this particular strain was perfected by American seed companies in the 1940s-1950s who sought to create zinnias that could rival dahlias in size and form.
The 'Giant Dahlia Flowered' designation became standardized in the 1950s when breeders successfully developed varieties producing consistent 5-6 inch blooms with the layered, ruffled petal structure reminiscent of dahlia flowers. Burpee and Ferry-Morse were among the key companies advancing these large-flowered strains during the post-war gardening boom.
This heirloom mix preserves the genetic diversity and vigor of those mid-century selections, maintaining the full spectrum of colors – pink, red, orange, yellow, and white – that made zinnias America's favorite annual flower. Unlike modern F1 hybrids, this open-pollinated variety allows gardeners to save seeds and maintain the strain year after year, connecting today's gardens to the golden age of American flower breeding.
Advantages
- +Wildlife value: Attracts butterflies, hummingbirds, bees, and pollinators
- +Fast-growing
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Marigolds
Repel aphids, whiteflies, and nematodes while attracting beneficial insects
Basil
Deters aphids, spider mites, and thrips that commonly attack zinnias
Cosmos
Similar growing requirements and attracts beneficial pollinators and predatory insects
Nasturtiums
Acts as trap crop for aphids and cucumber beetles, drawing pests away from zinnias
Sunflowers
Provides beneficial shade and wind protection for zinnias in hot climates
Tomatoes
Zinnias attract beneficial predators that control tomato hornworms and other pests
Peppers
Zinnias attract pollinators and beneficial insects that help with pepper pest control
Lettuce
Benefits from zinnia's ability to attract beneficial insects while utilizing different soil levels
Keep Apart
Black Walnut
Produces juglone toxin that inhibits zinnia growth and can cause wilting
Fennel
Allelopathic properties inhibit growth and development of nearby zinnias
Impatiens
Competes for similar nutrients and space while being susceptible to shared fungal diseases
Nutrition Facts
Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #169270)
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Susceptible to powdery mildew and bacterial leaf spot
Common Pests
Aphids, spider mites, Japanese beetles, cucumber beetles
Diseases
Powdery mildew, bacterial leaf spot, alternaria leaf spot, stem rot