Flower profile
Zinnia
Quick facts
Botanical name: Zinnia elegans. In SAF's language of flowers, zinnia means thoughts of friends.
Zinnia at a glance
- Meaning
- thoughts of friends
- Colors
- Red
- Orange
- Yellow
- Pink
- Purple
- White
- Green
- Bicolor
- Vase life
- About 15 days in NC State trials (fewer if stems are crowded); 'very good vase life'.
- Season
- Summer and fall.
- Special care
- Cut or buy fully open flowers - zinnias do not open after cutting. Strip lower leaves and keep stems in a hydrating solution; zinnias wilt easily (UMass). Do not crowd stems in one vase; change water often.
- Size
- A bright, easy summer annual with single to fully double flower heads 3 to 6 inches across (giant types bigger) on stiff stems 6 inches to 4 feet tall
- Also called
- Common zinnia
Pet safety
Non-toxic to dogs, cats and horses.
About zinnias
A bright, easy summer annual with single to fully double flower heads 3 to 6 inches across (giant types bigger) on stiff stems 6 inches to 4 feet tall. One of the best garden flowers for cutting.
How to make zinnias last
- Keep them cool until they are in water. Keep your flowers in a cool place until you can get them into a flower food solution.
- Fill a clean vase with water and flower food. Use a clean, deep vase and add the flower food from your florist, following the mixing directions on the packet.
- Remove leaves below the waterline. Leaves in water promote bacterial growth that can limit water uptake by the flower.
- Re-cut the stems. Remove one to two inches with a sharp knife or clippers that will not crush the stems, then place the flowers straight into the vase.
- For zinnias. Cut or buy fully open flowers - zinnias do not open after cutting. Strip lower leaves and keep stems in a hydrating solution; zinnias wilt easily (UMass). Do not crowd stems in one vase; change water often.
- Keep them in a cool spot. 65 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit, away from direct sunlight, heating or cooling vents and ceiling fans.
Care steps from SAF’s flower care tips. More flower care tips →
Questions about zinnias
What does the zinnia mean?
In the traditional language of flowers, the zinnia stands for "thoughts of friends".
What colors do zinnias come in?
Zinnias come in red, orange, yellow, pink, purple, white, green and bicolor.
How long do zinnias last in a vase?
About 15 days in NC State trials (fewer if stems are crowded); 'very good vase life'. Re-cut the stems, use the flower food from your florist and keep the vase cool and out of direct sun to get the most days.
How do you care for zinnias?
Keep zinnias cool until they are in water, use a clean vase with flower food, remove any leaves below the waterline, re-cut the stems by one to two inches and keep the vase at 65 to 72 degrees, away from direct sunlight and vents. For zinnias: Cut or buy fully open flowers - zinnias do not open after cutting. Strip lower leaves and keep stems in a hydrating solution; zinnias wilt easily (UMass). Do not crowd stems in one vase; change water often.
Are zinnias safe around pets?
Non-toxic to dogs, cats and horses.
Where can I buy zinnias?
From a local SAF member florist. Enter the recipient's ZIP code on this page to find florists near them.
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