Plant guide

Zinnia.

Zinnia

Pronounced ZIN-ee-uh EL-eh-ganz

Also known as Zinnia, Zinnias

Zinnia elegans — Photo by Ricard Busquets Reverte (CC BY) via iNaturalist

Zinnias are cheerful, sun loving annuals that bring a burst of color to any garden. They are incredibly easy to grow from seed and bloom continuously until the first frost. You will love how they attract butterflies and bees to your outdoor space.

Another photo of Zinnia — Photo by Jay Pruett (CC BY) via iNaturalist

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Annual
Light: Full sun
Indoor light: Direct sun
Water: Every 3 to 7 days
Mature size: 1 to 3 feet
Growth rate: Fast

Care

Plant these in a spot with plenty of sun and good air circulation to keep powdery mildew away. Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage the plant to keep producing new flowers. Watch for yellowing leaves which can indicate overwatering or poor drainage.

Watering: Water at the base of the plant to keep the foliage dry and prevent fungal issues.
Feeding: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer once a month during the active growing season.
Pruning: Regularly remove faded flowers to promote continuous blooming throughout the summer.
Repotting: As annuals, these are typically grown directly in the ground or containers for one season and do not require repotting.
Soil: Well draining, fertile soil
Soil pH: 6.0 to 7.5

Safety

Pets: Zinnias are considered non toxic to cats and dogs.

How to identify it

Opposite, lance shaped leaves
Single or double daisy like flowers
Stiff, hairy stems
Bright, saturated flower colors

Check your zinnia from a photo

Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your plant and tells you what's wrong and what to try first.

Science

Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Zinnia
Order: Asterales
Class: Magnoliopsida

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Keep your zinnia growing

This page is a general guide. Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked.

Get the app

This guide was generated with AI on November 9, 2026 and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.