Zinnia
Zinnia is a flower in the Asteraceae family. It grows best in full sun with medium moisture, and is listed for USDA zones 2-11. Plants reach maturity about 50–100 days after planting and sit about 12 inches apart.
Varieties
27 from True Leaf Market, Seeds Now & High Mowing · sorted by days to maturity▸California Giants (Organic)50–85 days
Organic; Non-GMO; Container; Annual
Organic California Giants Zinnia Seeds. 50 days to maturity. Can be grown in containers. Ornamental. Zinnia elegans. Heirloom, Non-GMO, Annual. Dating back to 1926, Zinnia California Giant is a mix with several shades of color. These flowers are enormous and can become 4 to 5 inch double flowers. Approx. 3,900 Seeds/oz.
View on True Leaf Market ↗▸Pumila Pompon50–70 days
Heirloom; Non-GMO; Container; Annual
50-70 Days to maturity. Zinnia elegans. Pumila Pompon Zinnia Seeds. Non-GMO, organic, annual. This is a great old-fashioned variety that has fully to semi-double flowers. These warm and cheerful flowers are breathtaking and will fit into any landscape. Blooms are 3 inches across and come in a wide range of colors that are long-lasting and excellent cut flowers. Keep dead-headed and they will keep coming all summer. This semi-dwarf variety only reaches 24 inches tall. One of the easiest flowers to start and grow. 500 mg packet contains ~55 seeds.
View on True Leaf Market ↗▸Dreamland Mixture (Coated)54–70 days
Non-GMO; Container; Annual
54-70 Days to maturity. Zinnia elegans. Dreamland Mixture Zinnia Seeds. Non-GMO, organic, annual. Dreamland Mix Zinnia Flower seeds are the fastest way to splash some excitement into your garden. Dreamland Zinnia flowers are a dwarf variety, sure to add a pop to your flower garden. Dreamland Mix Zinnias promise a whirl of colors including ivory, scarlet, pink, coral, apricot, canary, rose, and crimson all inside a single package. This variety will thrive in a variety of growing zones and produce massive blooms to wow all your neighbors! Approx. 3,900 Seeds/oz. Coated Seeds.
View on True Leaf Market ↗▸Lilliput Mixture54–70 days
Non-GMO; Container; Annual
Zinnia elegans Lilliput Mixture is an easy-to-grow annual producing an abundance of small, fully double, pompon-like blooms in a bright range of colors. The semi-dwarf, bushy plants are heat and drought tolerant and excellent for borders, containers, and cutting. Flowers attract bees and butterflies, with maturity in about 54-70 days.
View on True Leaf Market ↗▸Swizzle Series54–70 days
Non-GMO; Container; Annual
54-70 Days to maturity. Zinnia elegans. Swizzle Series Zinnia Seeds. Non-GMO, organic, F1 hybrid, annual. Swizzle Series Zinnia flower seeds in your garden will turn heads this summer. Swizzle Series seeds grow compact, short dwarfed Zinnias boasting huge, semi-doubled 4 inch blooms. Swizzle Series Zinnia seeds have been adapted by Kansas State University to endure the demanding prairie climate and maximize flower production while maximizing beauty. Swizzle Series Zinnia flowers are easy to grow from seed and an ideal novelty for gardens prone to heat and drought across the American southwest. Approx. 3,900 Seeds/oz.
View on True Leaf Market ↗▸Zowie Yellow Flame (Coated)54–70 days
Non-GMO; AAS Winner; Container; Annual
Zinnia elegans Zowie! Yellow Flame is an annual that produces vivid bicolor blooms with scarlet-red centers that flush to warm golden-orange at the petal tips. Easy to grow from seed, the plants are heat tolerant and bloom continuously through summer, attracting bees and butterflies. Excellent for borders and cut flowers, reaching maturity in about 54-70 days.
View on True Leaf Market ↗▸Magellan Series - Orange55–60 days
Non-GMO; Container; Annual
55-60 Days to maturity. Zinnia elegans. Magellan Orange Zinnia Seeds. Non-GMO, organic, F1 hybrid, annual. Magellan Zinnia Orange seeds grow tough and resilient zinnias, best suited for gardens prone to heat or drought. The Magellan Series coral variety is a 2005 AAS Flower Winner for its "brilliant coral petals," "consistent flower production," and "earliness to bloom." Cherry, Ivory, and Mix are also beautiful and popular colors. This variety will thrive in southern climates (zones 10-11) and produce massive blooms to wow all your neighbors! Approx. 3,900 Seeds/oz.
View on True Leaf Market ↗▸Magellan Series (Coated)55–60 days
Non-GMO; AAS Winner; Container; Annual
55-60 Days to maturity. Zinnia elegans. Magellan Series Zinnia Seeds. Non-GMO, organic, F1 hybrid, annual. Magellan Zinnia Series seeds produce tough, resilient zinnias, best suited for gardens prone to heat or drought. The Magellan Series coral variety is a 2005 AAS Flower Winner for its "brilliant coral petals," "consistent flower production," and "earliness to bloom." Cherry, Ivory, and Mix are also beautiful and popular colors. This variety will thrive in southern climates (zones 10-11) and produce massive blooms to wow all your neighbors! Approx. 3,900 Seeds/oz. Coated Seeds.
View on True Leaf Market ↗▸California Giant Mix60–70 days
California Giant Mix zinnia (Zinnia elegans) produces tall stems and large double flowers in a broad mix of colors. Direct-sow after frost in full sun and leave enough space for air movement. Cut flowers or deadhead spent blooms to keep new buds forming through summer.
Growing notes: Botanical name: Zinnia elegans|Hardiness zones: 2-11|Planting season: Spring, summer|Days to maturity: 60-70 days|Cold stratify: No|Depth to plant seeds: 1/4" deep|Spacing between plants: 12"-18" apart|Days to germinate (sprout): 5-7 days|Germination soil temps: 70F-75F|Soil types: Sandy, loamy, rich, moist, well-drained|Soil pH: 5.5-7.5|Water needs: Average|Sun needs: Full sun|Frost tolerant: No|Drought tolerant: Yes|Deer resistant: Yes
View on Seeds Now ↗▸Canary Bird60–70 days
Canary Bird zinnia (Zinnia elegans) is an annual with clear yellow flowers on upright stems. Grow it in full sun and well-drained soil, watering at the base to keep foliage dry. Regular cutting or deadheading encourages bloom until frost.
Growing notes: Botanical name: Zinnia elegans|Hardiness zones: 2-11|Planting season: Spring, summer|Days to maturity: 60-70 days|Cold stratify: No|Depth to plant seeds: 1/4" deep|Spacing between plants: 12"-18" apart|Days to germinate (sprout): 5-7 days|Germination soil temps: 70F-75F|Soil types: Sandy, loamy, rich, moist, well-drained|Soil pH: 6.0-7.0|Water needs: Average|Sun needs: Full sun|Frost tolerant: No|Drought tolerant: Yes|Deer resistant: Yes
View on Seeds Now ↗▸Cherry Queen60–70 days
Cherry Queen zinnia (Zinnia elegans) produces rich cherry-red flowers on sturdy stems. Direct-sow after frost in full sun, provide good air circulation, and avoid overhead watering when possible. The flowers are useful for cutting and continue until frost when harvested or deadheaded regularly.
Growing notes: Botanical name: Zinnia elegans|Hardiness zones: 2-11|Planting season: Spring, summer|Days to maturity: 60-70 days|Cold stratify: No|Depth to plant seeds: 1/4" deep|Spacing between plants: 12"-18" apart|Days to germinate (sprout): 5-7 days|Germination soil temps: 70F-75F|Soil types: Sandy, loamy, rich, moist, well-drained|Soil pH: 6.0-7.0|Water needs: Average|Sun needs: Full sun|Frost tolerant: No|Drought tolerant: Yes|Deer resistant: Yes
View on Seeds Now ↗▸Cut and Come Again (Organic)60–70 days
Heirloom; Organic; Non-GMO; Annual
60-70 Days to Maturity. Zinnia elegans. Organic Cut and Come Again Zinnia Flower Seeds. Non-GMO, organic, heirloom, open-pollinated flowers. Annual in zones 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10. Attracts pollinators. Displays red, pink, orange, yellow, purple, and white colored blooms from midsummer to the first frost. Recommended for growing in beds, containers, and borders. In the landscape, zinnias are great for use as a cut flower, border, bedding, background, or mass planting. It has an upright growth habit with tolerance to heat and drought once established. Zinnia flowers are edible. Cut and Come Again Zinnias are a fantastic choice for gardeners who want a low-maintenance, high-impact flower that continuously brightens up the garden and attracts beneficial pollinators. ~5,350 seeds/oz.
View on True Leaf Market ↗▸Luminosa60–70 days
Luminosa zinnia (Zinnia elegans) is an annual with bright pink flowers on compact, upright plants. Sow after frost in full sun and well-drained soil. Cut flowers frequently or remove faded blooms to extend flowering through the warm season.
Growing notes: Botanical name: Zinnia elegans|Hardiness zones: 2-11|Planting season: Spring, summer|Days to maturity: 60-70 days|Cold stratify: No|Depth to plant seeds: 1/4" deep|Spacing between plants: 12"-18" apart|Days to germinate (sprout): 5-7 days|Germination soil temps: 70F-75F|Soil types: Sandy, loamy, rich, moist, well-drained|Soil pH: 5.5-7.5|Water needs: Average|Sun needs: Full sun|Frost tolerant: No|Drought tolerant: Yes|Deer resistant: Yes
View on Seeds Now ↗▸Orange King60–70 days
The Orange King Zinnia (Zinnia elegans) is a tender annual with a long 3-month blooming period. Produces huge 4"-5" double blossoms with small, oval mandarin-orange petals around a dark center. Grows 2'-3' tall on sturdy stems with lance-shaped foliage. Zingy as a long-lasting cut flower in a bouquet or vase. Life cycle: Annual Bloom season: Spring, summer, fall Attracts: Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators Flower meaning: Acclaim, affection, ambition, endurance, farewell, friendship, family bonds, power, remembrance, strength
Growing notes: Botanical name: Zinnia elegans|Hardiness zones: 2-11|Planting season: Spring, summer|Days to maturity: 60-70 days|Cold stratify: No|Depth to plant seeds: 1/4" deep|Spacing between plants: 12"-18" apart|Days to germinate (sprout): 5-7 days|Germination soil temps: 70F-75F|Soil types: Sandy, loamy, rich, moist, well-drained|Soil pH: 5.5-7.5|Water needs: Average|Sun needs: Full sun|Frost tolerant: No|Drought tolerant: Yes|Deer resistant: Yes
View on Seeds Now ↗▸Polar Bear60–70 days
The Polar Bear Zinnia (Zinnia elegans) is a tender annual with a long 3-month blooming period. Produces huge 4"-5" double blossoms with long, oval crisp white petals around a golden center. Grows 2'-3' tall on sturdy stems with lance-shaped foliage.Stunning as a long-lasting cut flower in a bouquet or vase. Life cycle: Annual Bloom season: Spring, summer, fall Attracts: Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators Flower meaning: Acclaim, affection, elegance, farewell, friendship, healing, peace, purity, remembrance, strength
Growing notes: Botanical name: Zinnia elegans|Hardiness zones: 2-11|Planting season: Spring, summer|Days to maturity: 60-70 days|Cold stratify: No|Depth to plant seeds: 1/4" deep|Spacing between plants: 12"-18" apart|Days to germinate (sprout): 5-7 days|Germination soil temps: 70F-75F|Soil types: Sandy, loamy, rich, moist, well-drained|Soil pH: 5.5-7.5|Water needs: Average|Sun needs: Full sun|Frost tolerant: No|Drought tolerant: Yes|Deer resistant: Yes
View on Seeds Now ↗▸Pollinator Flower Mix60–80 days
Non-GMO; Container; Annual
Pollinator Mix. Zinnia. Zinnia elegans. 60-80 days. Non-GMO. Open pollinated. Our zinnia pollinator mix attracts hummingbirds and butterflies with a wildflower blend that grows a season-long charm that lives up to its name attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds to the garden all summer long. Pollinator Mix zinnia seeds contain a blend of nectar-rich zinnia wildflowers for an exciting and unpredictable explosion of summertime favorites perfect for a wild and untamed flower beds.
View on True Leaf Market ↗▸State Fair Mix60–80 days
Non-GMO; Container; Annual
Resistance: HR: Disease; Powdery Mildew
60 - 80 days. Zinnia elegans. Annual. State Fair Mix Zinnia seeds grow some of the tallest and brightest Zinnias growing this summer. State Fair Mix Zinnia seeds deliver brilliant 5-6" full double dahlia-like blooms from June up until the killing frost. State Fair Zinnia Flower Mix is easy to grow from seeds and boasts a higher resistance to disease and powdery mildew than other zinnia favorites. These Zinnias Flower Seeds are one of the best tall varieties around.
View on True Leaf Market ↗▸Thumbelina Mix (Organic)60–70 days
Organic; Non-GMO; Annual
60-70 Days to maturity. Zinnia elegans. Thumbelina Mix Zinnia Seeds. Non-GMO, organic, annual. These All-American Selections winner Thumbelina Mix Zinnia flower seeds are a small, adorable, and vibrant addition to grow in any home or garden. Thumbelina Zinnia Mix flower garden seeds are sometimes of a dwarf size with reported heights ranging from 6 to 24 inches tall. They are perfect to decorate indoors, give as a potted gift, or to keep the butterflies fluttering around the garden. Approx. 3,900 Seeds/oz.
View on True Leaf Market ↗▸Thumbelina Mixture60–70 days
Non-GMO; AAS Winner; Container; Annual
60-70 Days to maturity. Zinnia elegans. Thumbelina Mix Zinnia Seeds. Non-GMO, AAS Winner, annual. Thumbelina Mix Zinnia flower seeds are a small, adorable, and vibrant addition to grow in any home or garden. Thumbelina Mix flower seeds are durable and easy to grow, ideal for indoor containers and planters or for a charming border around your flower bed. Thumbelina Zinnia Mix flower garden seeds are sometimes reported as a dwarf variety, with heights ranging from 6 to 8 inches, depending on growing conditions. Perfect for decorating indoors, giving as a potted gift, or keeping the butterflies fluttering around the garden. Thumbelina Zinnia Mix seeds promise neat, small, and heat- and drought-tolerant zinnias ideal for gardens prone to heat and drought. Approx. 3,900 Seeds/oz.
View on True Leaf Market ↗▸Red Scarlet72–98 days
Excellent cut flower; Attracts butterflies; 30-36” plants; Annual
Deep scarlet blooms for an eye-catching variety superior to many others. A great cutting type with many high-quality flowers and attractive foliage. Dramatic in mass plantings. A standout for quality and cold tolerance in our trials. Zinnia elegans. 3.9M seeds/oz.
Growing notes: We have selected these easy-to-grow flower varieties for their individual beauty, for the beneficial insects they attract, and/or suitability for cut flower production. By offering an assortment of hues, heights, growth habits and appearances, we strive to fill your flower needs, whether you are adding color to your home garden or selling bouquets for market. Our varieties are tried-and-true standards that are sure to perform well in a wide range of growing conditions. Many of these varieties are well suited for succession plantings to ensure a continuous harvest throughout the season. Days to maturity are from seeding. M=1,000.
View on High Mowing ↗▸County Fair Blend75–90 days
HMOS EXCLUSIVE• Excellent cut flower; Attracts butterflies; 24-36” plants; Annual
Warm-toned mix of pink, orange, purple, red and gold blooms. An excellent cut flower that blooms until frost; the more you cut the more they grow. 2-5” blooms ideal for borders and bouquets. Heat and disease tolerant. Zinnias last longer if you change the water in the vase every two days and keep out of direct sunlight. Zinnia elegans. 2.7M seeds/oz.
Growing notes: We have selected these easy-to-grow flower varieties for their individual beauty, for the beneficial insects they attract, and/or suitability for cut flower production. By offering an assortment of hues, heights, growth habits and appearances, we strive to fill your flower needs, whether you are adding color to your home garden or selling bouquets for market. Our varieties are tried-and-true standards that are sure to perform well in a wide range of growing conditions. Many of these varieties are well suited for succession plantings to ensure a continuous harvest throughout the season. Days to maturity are from seeding. M=1,000.
View on High Mowing ↗▸Dwarf Thumbolina75–90 days
Semi-double and double blooms; 12-16” tall; Annual
Short and sweet, multi-branching zinnias with beautiful, light-hearted colors and semi-double to double, mini blooms. Plants are covered in irresistible, 2” blossoms featuring an appealing blend of whimsical colors. The bright hues attract pollinators and offer a beautiful accent to any border, garden, or container planting. Short, multi-branching stems make for precious bouquets. Plants grow quickly and reach bloom maturity early. From our partners at Genesis Seeds. Zinnia elegans
Growing notes: We have selected these easy-to-grow flower varieties for their individual beauty, for the beneficial insects they attract, and/or suitability for cut flower production. By offering an assortment of hues, heights, growth habits and appearances, we strive to fill your flower needs, whether you are adding color to your home garden or selling bouquets for market. Our varieties are tried-and-true standards that are sure to perform well in a wide range of growing conditions. Many of these varieties are well suited for succession plantings to ensure a continuous harvest throughout the season. Days to maturity are from seeding. M=1,000.
View on High Mowing ↗▸Giant Coral75–90 days
Excellent cut flower; Attracts butterflies; 40-50” plants; Annual
Large, fully double red-coral blooms ideal for cut flowers or bright borders. Lovely salmon-pink to coral flowers on long, sturdy stems. Huge 4” blooms. Disease and heat tolerant, and holds up well in the vase. Change water often for longest life. Direct seed or start transplants 3-4 weeks before last frost date. Zinnia elegans. 3.4M seeds/oz.
Growing notes: We have selected these easy-to-grow flower varieties for their individual beauty, for the beneficial insects they attract, and/or suitability for cut flower production. By offering an assortment of hues, heights, growth habits and appearances, we strive to fill your flower needs, whether you are adding color to your home garden or selling bouquets for market. Our varieties are tried-and-true standards that are sure to perform well in a wide range of growing conditions. Many of these varieties are well suited for succession plantings to ensure a continuous harvest throughout the season. Days to maturity are from seeding. M=1,000.
View on High Mowing ↗▸Giant Purple75–90 days
Excellent cut flower; Attracts butterflies; 40-50” plants; Annual
Big, fully double magenta blooms for a sophisticated statement in borders and bouquets. Huge, 4-6” purple blooms on long, sturdy stems. Disease and heat tolerant, and holds up well in the vase. Change water often for longest life. Zinnia elegans. 3.4M seeds/oz.
Growing notes: We have selected these easy-to-grow flower varieties for their individual beauty, for the beneficial insects they attract, and/or suitability for cut flower production. By offering an assortment of hues, heights, growth habits and appearances, we strive to fill your flower needs, whether you are adding color to your home garden or selling bouquets for market. Our varieties are tried-and-true standards that are sure to perform well in a wide range of growing conditions. Many of these varieties are well suited for succession plantings to ensure a continuous harvest throughout the season. Days to maturity are from seeding. M=1,000.
View on High Mowing ↗▸Golden Yellow75–90 days
Excellent cut flower; Attracts butterflies; 30-36” plants; Annual
Fully double gold blooms make a dazzling display in the garden. Well-branched stems provide a continuous supply of easy-to-grow 3-4” blooms that hold up well in a vase. Excellent heat and cold tolerance keep this variety productive until frost. Zinnia elegans. 5M seeds/oz.
Growing notes: We have selected these easy-to-grow flower varieties for their individual beauty, for the beneficial insects they attract, and/or suitability for cut flower production. By offering an assortment of hues, heights, growth habits and appearances, we strive to fill your flower needs, whether you are adding color to your home garden or selling bouquets for market. Our varieties are tried-and-true standards that are sure to perform well in a wide range of growing conditions. Many of these varieties are well suited for succession plantings to ensure a continuous harvest throughout the season. Days to maturity are from seeding. M=1,000.
View on High Mowing ↗▸Orange75–90 days
Excellent cut flower; Attracts butterflies; 40-50” plants; Annual
Large, bold, orange blooms; beautiful as cut flowers or as borders in the garden. 4-6” blooms have incredible vase life, especially when water is routinely changed. With great field holding quality, plants produce continuous flowers throughout the season. Good tolerance to heat and cold, these vigo rous zinnias are a reliable choice for the farm or garden. Zinnia elegans. 2.7M seeds/oz.
Growing notes: We have selected these easy-to-grow flower varieties for their individual beauty, for the beneficial insects they attract, and/or suitability for cut flower production. By offering an assortment of hues, heights, growth habits and appearances, we strive to fill your flower needs, whether you are adding color to your home garden or selling bouquets for market. Our varieties are tried-and-true standards that are sure to perform well in a wide range of growing conditions. Many of these varieties are well suited for succession plantings to ensure a continuous harvest throughout the season. Days to maturity are from seeding. M=1,000.
View on High Mowing ↗▸Dahlia Flowered Mixture90–100 days
Container; Annual
90-100 Days to maturity. Zinnia elegans. Dahlia Flowered Mixture Zinnia Seeds. Non-GMO, organic, annual. Growing Dahlia Flowered Mix zinnia seeds this season is an effortless and vibrant way to dash a bit of summer into your garden. Dahlia Flowered Mix Zinnias are beautiful flowers, easy to grow from seed; a tall variety, and as a native to the arid Mexican climate, ideal for dry, southwestern gardens while even surprising gardeners as far north as Minnesota with their hardiness. Dahlia Flowered Mix Zinnia seeds grow bold and dazzling Zinnias bringing butterflies and other important pollinators to the garden all season long. Dahlia Flowered Mix Zinnias' tall robust stalks are seasonal favorites for fresh-cut arrangements, planters, and gifts. About 3,000-3,800 seeds/oz.
View on True Leaf Market ↗
Plant spacing
In a square-foot bed, space zinnia about 12 in apart — that fits 1 plant in each 1-foot square (1×1). Wider rows or containers space the same.
Plan your zinnia planting
Add zinnia to a free GardenDraft plan and get sow, transplant, and harvest dates computed for your ZIP code — with a drag-and-drop bed layout and reminders when it’s time to plant.
Start your free plan →At a glance
Growing timeline
Care & troubleshooting— extension-sourced, with citations
When to feed, prune & water
Attract beneficial insects and protect pollinators
Protection- Routine carePlant insectary flowers and tolerate light pestsstrong evidence — extension confidence
Grow a diversity of flowering plants (including small-flowered umbels and asters) to feed predators and parasitoids, and tolerate low pest numbers so natural enemies have prey to stick around.
- Routine careNever spray open bloomsstrong evidence — extension confidence
Avoid insecticides on flowering plants and apply any needed sprays in the evening when pollinators aren't active, and favor selective products over broad-spectrum ones to spare bees and beneficials.
Mulch to suppress weeds and retain moisture
Mulch- Routine careApply organic mulch around plantsstrong evidence — extension confidence
Spread a few inches of straw, shredded leaves, or compost around established plants (keeping it off stems) to hold soil moisture, suppress weeds, and moderate soil temperature; wait until soil has warmed for heat-loving crops.
Protect the garden from rabbits and voles
Protection- Routine careFence out rabbitsstrong evidence — extension confidence
Surround beds with 1-inch mesh chicken wire at least 2 feet tall with the bottom buried or staked down a few inches so rabbits can't push under it.
- Routine careReduce vole habitat and guard stemsstrong evidence — extension confidence
Keep grass and mulch pulled back from plant bases and crowns to remove vole cover, mow surrounding vegetation, and use hardware-cloth guards around vulnerable woody stems before winter.
Clean up debris and sanitize at season end
SanitationUnusual this time of year.
- Routine careRemove spent plants and fallen debrisstrong evidence — extension confidence
Pull and clear old plants, dropped fruit, and leaf litter at season end, since many pests and diseases overwinter in this debris; dispose of diseased material rather than composting it.
- Routine careClean tools, stakes, and cagesmoderate evidence — extension confidence
Wash and sanitize stakes, cages, and tools that touched diseased plants before storing or reusing them to avoid carrying pathogens into next season.
Harden off seedlings
ProtectionUnusual this time of year.
- Routine careGradually expose plants to the outdoors· every 1 days · ~2 wksstrong evidence — extension confidence
Starting about two weeks before transplanting, set seedlings outside in a sheltered, shady spot for a few hours and lengthen their time and sun exposure each day, avoiding windy days, to prevent transplant shock.
- Routine careEase back on water and transplant on a mild daystrong evidence — extension confidence
Water a little less during hardening (without letting plants wilt) to toughen growth, then transplant in late afternoon or on a cool, cloudy, calm day.
Succession-sow quick crops
CareUnusual this time of year.
- Routine careSow small batches on a schedule· every 2 wksstrong evidence — extension confidence
Plant short rows of fast crops like radishes, bush beans, and lettuce every two to three weeks rather than all at once, so you get a steady harvest and one bad weather spell won't ruin the whole planting.
Something looks wrong?
Describe what you see on your zinniaand we'll rank the likely causes — most likely first, least-invasive fix first.
Tomato spotted wilt virus
Virussevere- CulturalRemove infected plants (cannot be cured)strong evidence — extension confidence
There is no cure once a plant is infected, so promptly pull and dispose of symptomatic plants to reduce the virus reservoir that thrips spread to healthy plants.
- CulturalStart clean and control weeds and thripsstrong evidence — extension confidence
Use virus- and thrips-free transplants, choose resistant varieties (Sw-5 tomatoes, Tsw peppers) where available, and control weeds around the garden that harbor both virus and thrips vectors.
White mold (Sclerotinia stem rot)
Diseasesevere- CulturalRemove infected plants (manage, not cure)strong evidence — extension confidence
There's no cure for an infected plant; cut out and bag affected plants including the black sclerotia, and don't compost them, since sclerotia survive years in soil.
- CulturalOpen the canopy and rotatestrong evidence — extension confidence
Space plants widely, control weeds, orient rows to prevailing wind, and avoid overhead watering at bloom to dry the canopy; rotate to non-host crops (corn or other grasses) for several years.
- CulturalWater at the base, not overheadmoderate evidence — extension confidence
Use drip or soaker irrigation to keep foliage and the soil surface drier, which discourages the sclerotia germination and mycelial growth that drive white mold.
Botrytis gray mold
Diseasemoderate- CulturalRemove infected tissue and old blossomsstrong evidence — extension confidence
Prune out moldy leaves, stems, and fruit and clear fallen blossoms and debris where the fungus gets started, disposing of them rather than composting.
- CulturalImprove airflow and reduce leaf wetnessstrong evidence — extension confidence
Space and stake plants for good air movement, water at the base in the morning, and harvest ripe fruit promptly so botrytis has fewer cool, humid, wet surfaces to colonize.
Japanese beetles
Pestmoderate- CulturalHandpick into soapy water· every 1 days · ~4 wksstrong evidence — extension confidence
In early morning when beetles are sluggish, knock them into a bucket of soapy water; daily removal also reduces the scent that draws in more beetles. Skip the lure traps, which tend to attract more beetles than they catch.
- CulturalCover plants past bloommoderate evidence — extension confidence
On crops that have finished flowering and set fruit, drape a row cover or netting to keep beetles off without blocking pollination during bloom.
Leafhoppers & aster yellows
Diseasemoderate- CulturalRemove infected plants and weed reservoirsstrong evidence — extension confidence
Aster yellows can't be cured, so pull and discard plants showing yellowing and witches-broom, and clear nearby weedy hosts that harbor the phytoplasma and its leafhoppers.
- CulturalExclude leafhoppers with row covermoderate evidence — extension confidence
On young susceptible crops, a floating row cover keeps egg-laying leafhoppers off and lowers the chance of aster-yellows spread.
Powdery mildew
Diseasemoderate- CulturalImprove airflow + remove worst leavesstrong evidence — extension confidence
Cut out the most heavily coated leaves and thin for airflow; avoid wetting foliage late in the day.
- OrganicPotassium-bicarbonate or sulfur - label use only· every 1 wk · ~4 wksmoderate evidence — extension confidence
Apply a labeled potassium-bicarbonate or sulfur fungicide weekly per the label. No sulfur within 2 weeks of oil or in high heat.
Root rot from overwatering / poor drainage
Diseasemoderate- CulturalLet soil drain and water lessstrong evidence — extension confidence
Water root rots like Pythium thrive in saturated soil, so cut back watering, let the surface dry between irrigations, and water at the base rather than keeping soil constantly wet.
- CulturalImprove drainage and aerationstrong evidence — extension confidence
Use raised beds, loosen compacted soil, and add organic matter to improve drainage; remove plants that are already rotted since affected roots won't recover.
Slugs & snails
Pestmoderate- CulturalTrap, hand-pick at night, reduce cover· every 2 days · ~3 wksstrong evidence — extension confidence
Pick at night with a flashlight, set shallow beer traps, water in the morning so soil dries by dusk, and clear damp hiding spots.
- OrganicIron-phosphate bait - label use only· every 1 wk · ~3 wksmoderate evidence — extension confidence
Scatter a labeled iron-phosphate slug bait sparingly per the label; it's pet- and wildlife-safer than metaldehyde.
Tarnished plant bug / lygus
Pestmoderate- CulturalManage surrounding weedsstrong evidence — extension confidence
Keep broadleaf weeds mowed or removed around the garden, since lygus build up on flowering weeds and move to crops as those weeds dry down; avoid mowing large weedy areas right beside fruiting crops at bloom.
- CulturalVacuum or shake plants to monitor and reduce· every 5 daysmoderate evidence — extension confidence
Tap plants over a light-colored tray to check for nymphs; a handheld vacuum used once or twice weekly can hold low to moderate numbers down on small plantings.
- OrganicTreat nymphs if damage is building· every 1 wkmoderate evidence — extension confidence
For active nymph infestations, azadirachtin or a Beauveria bassiana product can give some control per the label; preserve the parasitic wasps and other natural enemies that help suppress lygus.
Whiteflies
Pestmoderate- CulturalRemove infested leaves and hose off· every 4 daysmoderate evidence — extension confidence
Pick off and discard heavily infested lower leaves and rinse colonies off undersides with a strong spray of water; yellow sticky cards help monitor numbers.
- OrganicApply a labeled soap or oil· every 1 wk · ~3 wksmoderate evidence — extension confidence
Apply a labeled insecticidal soap or neem oil per the label, covering leaf undersides; these reduce but won't eliminate whiteflies, so repeat as needed.
Cutworms
PestmoderateUnusual this time of year.
- CulturalPlace stem collars on transplantsstrong evidence — extension confidence
Push a collar (cardboard tube, can, or cup with bottom removed) a couple inches into the soil around each stem so it extends a few inches above ground; this blocks cutworms from reaching the stem.
- CulturalScout soil and hand-remove· every 3 days · ~2 wksstrong evidence — extension confidence
In the evening or early morning, check the soil around damaged plants and remove curled larvae by hand; tilling beds about two weeks before planting also reduces larvae and pupae.
- OrganicApply a labeled Bt or spinosad· every 1 wk · ~3 wksmoderate evidence — extension confidence
If damage continues, apply a labeled Bacillus thuringiensis (kurstaki) or spinosad product per the label, targeting small larvae; Bt works best on young first- and second-instar cutworms.
Aphids
Pestlow- CulturalBlast off with water· every 3 days · ~2 wksstrong evidence — extension confidence
Knock colonies off with a strong jet of water in the morning; repeat every few days. Light infestations rarely need more.
- OrganicInsecticidal soap - label use only· every 1 wk · ~3 wksmoderate evidence — extension confidence
For persistent colonies apply insecticidal soap to undersides per label. Avoid open flowers.
Bolting (premature flowering)
Disorderlow- CulturalShade and harvest before boltingstrong evidence — extension confidence
Once a plant bolts it can't be reversed, so harvest at the first sign of stalk formation; 30-50% shade cloth and steady watering during heat help delay bolting in cool-season crops.
- CulturalUse bolt-resistant varieties and succession sowmoderate evidence — extension confidence
Choose heat-tolerant, slow-bolt varieties and stagger small sowings so a heat spell doesn't take out the whole planting.
Earwigs
Pestlow- CulturalTrap and remove· every 1 days · ~2 wksstrong evidence — extension confidence
Set rolled damp newspaper, low tuna-style cans of oil, or short tubes near plants at dusk, then dump trapped earwigs into soapy water each morning; reduce mulch and damp hiding spots near vulnerable seedlings.
- OrganicApply a bait only if damage persists· every 1 wkmoderate evidence — extension confidence
Established plants usually tolerate earwigs, which also eat aphids; if seedlings are being destroyed, a spinosad-based bait labeled for earwigs can help per the label.
Transplant shock
DisorderlowUnusual this time of year.
- CulturalWater in well and provide shade· every 1 days · ~1 wksstrong evidence — extension confidence
Water transplants in thoroughly at planting and keep the root zone evenly moist for the first week or two, and provide temporary shade during hot, sunny, or windy spells to reduce stress while roots establish.
- CulturalHarden off and plant gently next timestrong evidence — extension confidence
Most plants recover on their own; to prevent recurrence, harden off seedlings before planting, set them out in mild weather or evening, and avoid disturbing the roots when transplanting.