California Giant Zinnia Mix Heirloom Seeds

California Giant zinnias bring large, colorful blooms on tall summer plants. Give them sunshine, air movement and room for cutting stems to bring indoors.

Packet: Approx 25 seeds

Planting at a glance

• Season: Flower crop — see planting window
• Start: Direct sow in warm soil, or start indoors about 4 weeks before planting out
• Seed depth: ¼ inch
• Germination: Usually 5–7 days around 70–75°F; warmer mix can sprout faster
• Final spacing: Allow about 9–12 inches; give tall plants good air movement
• Light: Full sun
• Harvest planning: A warm-season annual; begin checking for buds after plants branch and fill out

When to plant

Plant outdoors after frost danger passes and the soil has warmed. In short-season areas, count back from your intended outdoor planting date for indoor starts.

How to plant

1. Prepare loose, well-drained soil or a clean seed-starting mix. Direct sow in warm soil, or start indoors about 4 weeks before planting out.
2. Sow ¼ inch deep. Keep the seedbed evenly moist until seedlings emerge. Then water when the soil needs it, allowing excess water to drain.
3. Thin or transplant to the listed final spacing. Give seedlings sufficient light and check moisture as roots establish.

How to harvest

Cut blooms at the stage you want for a vase, or leave them in the garden. Remove spent flowers where repeat bloom is desired.

Aunt E’s tip: Cut when the stem beneath the bloom feels firm, rather than floppy.