Giant Dahlia Flowered Deep Red – Zinnia Seed

New! Our substitute for Benary’s Giant Deep Red.
Similar color and habit of the Benary’s Giant Deep Red but will produce 4–6" single, semidouble, and double flowers. Benary’s Giant blooms are consistently larger and fully double, on plants that are more robust. Cut-and-come-again flower, yielding multiple cuts over the season. Ht. 40–50". Avg. 3,400 seeds/oz. Packet: 50 seeds.
DAYS TO GERMINATION:3-5 days at 80-85°F (27-29°C)

SOWING:Transplant (recommended) – Sow into 72-cell flats or preferred seedling container 4 weeks before last frost. Cover seeds. A heat mat will help maintain an accurate temperature. Lower temperatures will result in slower germination: 5-7 days at 70-75°F (21-24°C). Harden-off and transplant out after last frost. Do not allow plants to become root bound and avoid disturbing roots; transplant shock or other stress events may cause double-flowering varieties to produce single blooms for a period following stress. Direct seed – After last frost, sow 1/4" deep. Succession-sow/plant every two weeks for prolonged yields of high-quality stems. Pinching of initial bud or bloom and subsequent deadheading is recommended to encourage strong branching and bloom production.

LIGHT PREFERENCE:Sun.

PLANT HEIGHT:Varies. No support is necessary.

PLANT SPACING:9-12".

HARDINESS ZONES:Annual.

HARVEST:Before completely open. Stem is firm from point of cut to just below the bloom.

SOIL REQUIREMENTS:Fertile soil rich in organic matter. pH: 6.3-6.8 preferred.

USES:Taller varieties make excellent cut flowers. Beds, borders, and mass plantings.

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Zinnia spp.