How to grow Zinnia in Australia

Sow in full sun in fertile, well drained soil, as these heat lovers thrive in warmth. Water at the base to keep foliage dry, since wet leaves invite mildew.

At a glance

Difficulty: Beginner
Sun: Full sun
Water: 4 litres a week, watered every 2 days
Spacing: 25 cm
Time to harvest: 60 days
Time to germinate: 7 days
Soil pH: 5.5 to 7.5
Frost tolerance: Frost tender

When to sow by region

Region	When to sow	Regional note
South East Queensland	September to February
Northern Rivers NSW	September to February
Sydney & Coastal NSW	October to January	Sow Oct to Jan into warm soil in full sun. Frost tender, and slow and mildew prone in cool weather.
Melbourne & Victoria	October to December	Frost tender. Sow direct Oct to Dec once the soil is warm. Flowers until the first autumn frost.
Adelaide & SA	September to December	Sow Sep to Dec once the soil is warm. Zinnias love a hot dry summer; water at the base to keep mildew off.
Perth & WA	September to December	Sow Sep to Dec once the soil is warm. Zinnias love a hot dry summer; water at the base to keep mildew off.
Tasmania	November and December	Sow Nov to Dec in full sun. Slow in cool summers - a hot spot helps.
Canberra & ACT	November and December	Frost tender. Sow Nov to Dec after the last frost in early November; flowers until the first autumn frost.
North Queensland	April to October	Sow Apr to Oct for dry season colour. Wet season humidity brings mildew and rots the seedlings.
Darwin & Top End	April to October	Sow Apr to Oct for dry season colour. Wet season humidity brings mildew and rots the seedlings.

Varieties

Giant Dahlia Mix
Benary's Giant
Lilliput Mix

Companion planting

Good companions

Harvest and storage

Harvest tip

Cut when blooms are fully open and the stem feels firm just below the flower. Cut stems long and the plant throws out more blooms the more you pick.

Storage

Cut flowers last 7 to 10 days in a vase. Harvest when petals firm and outer petals fully open.