Zinnia State Fair Mix
Zinnia elegans 'State Fair Mix'
These show-stopping zinnias produce enormous 5-6 inch dahlia-like blooms in a spectacular array of colors including pink, red, orange, yellow, and purple. The sturdy 30-inch stems make them exceptional cut flowers that last up to two weeks in arrangements, while their continuous blooming from summer to frost provides non-stop garden color. This award-winning variety attracts butterflies and hummingbirds while being incredibly heat and drought tolerant.
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 State Fair Mix in USDA Zone 7
All Zone 7 flower →Zone Map
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Zinnia State Fair 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 State Fair Mix zinnias last 10-14 days when properly handled. Recut stems under running water, remove any foliage below the waterline, and place in clean vases with fresh water plus floral preservative. Change water every 3-4 days and retrim stems.
For dried flowers, harvest blooms when they're just past their prime — slightly firm but fully open. Strip foliage and hang stems upside down in bundles of 5-6 stems in a warm, dry, dark location with good airflow. Properly dried zinnias retain their vibrant colors for 6-12 months. You can also press individual petals between wax paper for craft projects. The edible petals should be used fresh within 24 hours — rinse gently, pat dry, and store in the refrigerator between damp paper towels for garnishing salads or desserts.
History & Origin
Zinnia State Fair Mix represents a modern triumph in flower breeding, developed in the 1960s by American seed companies seeking to create the ultimate exhibition zinnia. The variety takes its name from the tradition of giant flower competitions at state and county fairs, where gardeners would compete for the largest, most perfect blooms.
This hybrid was specifically bred by crossing tall-growing Zinnia elegans varieties with naturally large-flowered selections, focusing on three key traits: massive bloom size (5-6 inches), sturdy stems for cutting, and reliable performance in hot climates. The dahlia-flowered form became the standard for exhibition zinnias because the densely packed petals created impressive visual impact that judges and fairgoers loved.
While zinnias themselves originated in Mexico and were first cultivated by the Aztecs, the State Fair Mix represents purely American horticultural ambition — the desire to grow the biggest, boldest flowers possible. Today, it remains the gold standard for cut flower zinnias and continues to win ribbons at fairs across the country, maintaining its reputation as the variety serious flower growers choose when size and impact matter most.
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
Attracts beneficial insects and creates complementary flower displays with similar growing requirements
Nasturtiums
Act as trap crops for aphids and cucumber beetles, drawing pests away from zinnias
Sunflowers
Provide beneficial habitat for pollinators and create attractive height contrast
Tomatoes
Zinnias attract beneficial predatory insects that help control tomato hornworms and other pests
Lavender
Repels moths, fleas, and mosquitoes while attracting pollinators
Cleome
Attracts beneficial insects and provides structural diversity in flower beds
Keep Apart
Black Walnut
Produces juglone toxin that causes wilting and stunted growth in zinnias
Fennel
Releases allelopathic compounds that inhibit zinnia growth and development
Eucalyptus
Produces allelopathic substances that suppress growth of nearby flowering plants
Nutrition Facts
Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #169270)
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Moderate resistance to alternaria blight and bacterial spot
Common Pests
Aphids, spider mites, Japanese beetles
Diseases
Powdery mildew, alternaria blight, bacterial wilt