How to Grow Zinnia in New Zealand

A brilliant cut flower that loves a warm Auckland summer. Direct sow once the soil has warmed in spring, and the more you cut the more it flowers. Water at the base to keep powdery mildew off the leaves.

When to plant zinnia in New Zealand

Timing is everything in New Zealand, where the warm north and the cooler south are weeks apart. Sow or plant in these months for your region:

Best zinnia varieties for NZ

• Giant Dahlia Mix — Tall (90cm) with massive double dahlia-like blooms. Brilliant cut flower. Full colour range. (Yates NZ, Mr Fothergill's NZ, Egmont Seeds, Mitre 10)
• Benary's Giant — The professional cut-flower standard. Long stems, large double blooms. Mix of vibrant colours. (Mr Fothergill's NZ, Egmont Seeds, Kings Seeds)
• Lilliput Mix — Dwarf (30cm) with small pompom flowers. Compact, perfect for borders and containers. (Yates NZ, Mr Fothergill's NZ, Mitre 10)

How to grow zinnia

• Space plants about 25cm apart.
• Sow seed around 0.5cm deep.
• Position: full sun.
• Ready to harvest in roughly 60 days.
• Seeds germinate in about 7 days.

Companion planting

Grow zinnia near: Tomato, Beans, Cucumber, Capsicum, Marigold.

Pests and problems

Watch for: Aphids, Powdery mildew. See our NZ pest and disease guide for organic control.