Benary's Giant Lilac, Zinnia Seeds

Benary's Giant Lilac Zinnia Seed

Benary's Giant Lilac produces five-inch fully double purple and lavender flowers
Lilac stems stay sturdy and long for premium bouquets
Lilac plants reach roughly forty-three inches tall
Full-sun Lilac plants deliver vigorous summer flowering

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Key Attributes

Botanical Name

Zinnia elegans

Days to maturity

80 Days

Sun

Full Sun

Packet

25 Seeds

About Benary's Giant Lilac, Zinnia Seed, Zinnia Seed

Benary's Giant Lilac zinnia produces large, fully double soft lilac blooms with densely packed petals. Bushy, upright plants grow about 24–36 inches tall and provide strong stems for bouquets and cutting gardens. Flowers begin in midsummer and continue until frost, adding reliable color to beds and borders. Grow in full sun and well-drained soil; established plants tolerate summer heat well.

Growing details

Planting

Sow Depth

1/4"

Days to Germination

3–7 days

Germination Type

A - No Pretreatment

In-row plant spacing

9-18"

Plant profile

Life Cycle

Annual

Plant Height

48 inches

Growth Habits

Upright

Seed & variety

Seeds Per Ounce

4,250

Color

Purple

Seed Type

Open Pollinated

Before Planting

For Zinnia, select a full-sun site with well-drained soil and good air circulation. Remove perennial weeds, loosen compacted ground, and incorporate modest compost without making the bed overly rich. Prepare a fine, firm seedbed. No seed pretreatment is normally required; use fresh seed and follow the sowing conditions in the Planting guidance.

Planting

Direct sow zinnias after frost danger has passed and the soil has warmed, or start them indoors only 3–4 weeks earlier. Maintain about 70–75°F and even moisture until germination, then provide strong light and airflow. Harden seedlings gradually and transplant without excessive root disturbance. Space dwarf zinnias about 6–9 inches apart and tall branching types 12–18 inches apart.

Watering

Zinnia needs consistent moisture during establishment but tolerates moderate dryness afterward. Water deeply during prolonged drought, allowing the upper soil to dry between applications.

Fertilizer

Zinnia needs only moderate feeding. Use diluted balanced fertilizer during active growth, following label rates and limiting nitrogen so plants remain compact and flower freely.

Harvesting

Harvest zinnia as buds begin opening or when blooms reach full color, depending on intended use. Cut above a branching point, place stems in water promptly, and remove spent flowers regularly.

Tips

Pinch young zinnias above several leaf pairs to encourage branching and longer stems. Deadhead regularly, support tall varieties, and maintain generous airflow to reduce foliar problems.

Pests & Diseases

Powdery mildew, Alternaria and bacterial leaf spots, Botrytis, and white mold affect zinnias. Choose resistant varieties, space plants generously, and water at soil level. Remove spotted lower leaves and entire plants with cottony stem growth or black sclerotia. Do not save seed from diseased flower heads.

Monitor zinnia for aphids, thrips, mites, beetles, slugs, and chewing caterpillars. Remove badly infested growth, use physical controls first, and apply labeled treatments outside pollinator-active hours.