Zinnia Profusion Red
Zinnia hybrida 'Profusion Red'
This All-America Selections winner revolutionized zinnias with its exceptional disease resistance and non-stop blooming habit. Compact plants produce hundreds of bright red single flowers that attract butterflies while resisting the powdery mildew that plagues other zinnias. Perfect for borders, containers, and cutting gardens where reliable color and low maintenance are priorities.
Harvest
N/Ad
Days to harvest
Sun
ZIN-ya
Zones
3–10
USDA hardiness
Height
0-4 feet
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Zinnia Profusion Red in USDA Zone 7
All Zone 7 flower →Zone Map
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Zinnia Profusion Red · Zones 3–10
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-ya. Soil: Clay, Loam (Silt), Sand. Soil pH: Acid (<6.0), Alkaline (>8.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Moist, Occasionally Dry. Water: 'Candy Cane', 'Dreamland Pink', 'Green Envy', 'Persian Carpet', 'Pop Art', 'Profusion Apricot', 'Profusion Cherry', 'Profusion Coral Pink', 'Profusion Double Cherry', 'Profusion Double Golden', 'Profusion Fire', 'Profusion Orange', 'Profusion White', 'Zahara Fire'. Height: 0 ft. 8 in. - 4 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 0 ft. 6 in. - 1 ft. 6 in.. Spacing: Less than 12 inches, 12 inches-3 feet. Growth rate: Rapid. Propagation: Seed. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.
Harvesting
Type: Achene.
Bloom time: 'Candy Cane', 'Dreamland Pink', 'Green Envy', 'Persian Carpet', 'Pop Art', 'Profusion Apricot', 'Profusion Cherry', 'Profusion Coral Pink', 'Profusion Double Cherry', 'Profusion Double Golden', 'Profusion Fire', 'Profusion Orange', 'Profusion White', 'Zahara Fire'
Storage & Preservation
Fresh Zinnia Profusion Red cut flowers store best in cool water with floral preservative, lasting 5-7 days at room temperature. Re-cut stems under running water every 2-3 days and change water completely to prevent bacterial buildup.
For dried arrangements, harvest flowers at peak bloom and hang stems upside down in a dark, well-ventilated area. Zinnias dry within 2-3 weeks, retaining good color and form. Alternatively, use silica gel for faster drying while preserving better color intensity. Press individual flowers between weighted paper for craft projects—their single-layer petals press exceptionally well.
Seed saving is not recommended for this hybrid variety, as plants grown from saved seeds won't maintain the parent's disease resistance or compact growth habit.
History & Origin
Origin: Southern North America, South America
Advantages
- +Wildlife value: Floral nectar attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. Songbirds enjoy the seeds.
- +Fast-growing
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Marigolds
Repel nematodes and aphids while attracting similar beneficial pollinators
Basil
Repels aphids, spider mites, and thrips that commonly attack zinnias
Cosmos
Similar growing conditions and attracts beneficial insects like lacewings
Nasturtiums
Acts as trap crop for aphids and cucumber beetles, drawing pests away from zinnias
Sunflowers
Provide wind protection and attract beneficial predatory insects
Celosia
Similar water and sun requirements, extends bloom season for pollinators
Lavender
Repels spider mites and attracts beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies
Petunias
Repel aphids, tomato hornworms, and squash bugs while sharing similar care needs
Keep Apart
Black Walnut Trees
Produce juglone toxin that inhibits zinnia growth and can cause wilting
Fennel
Releases allelopathic compounds that stunt growth of nearby flowering plants
Eucalyptus
Produces allelopathic oils that inhibit seed germination and plant growth
Nutrition Facts
Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #169270)
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Excellent powdery mildew resistance, good general disease resistance
Common Pests
Japanese beetles, spider mites, aphids
Diseases
Bacterial wilt, alternaria blight (rare), leaf spot