Zinnia 'Benary's Bright Pink'

Zinnia elegans

Benary’s Giant Bright Pink is the embodiment of garden cheer, bursting with blooms in a jubilant, saturated pink that seems to catch the sun and hold it close. Each fully double, dahlia-like flower measures 4 to 6 inches across, its lush layers of petals glowing against the fresh green foliage. The sturdy, up-to-50-inch plants stand tall through heat, rain, and summer breezes, offering generous harvests of long, straight stems for the vase.

A cut-and-come-again treasure, this variety delivers a steady abundance of colour, with excellent vase life to carry its joy indoors. Low susceptibility to powdery mildew ensures its beauty lasts well into the season. Loved by bees, butterflies, and other beneficial visitors, Bright Pink shines alongside deep plum scabiosa, airy white cosmos, or pale peach snapdragons. In bouquets, it brings the warm exuberance of midsummer fields and the kind of brightness that can lift even the softest arrangements into something unforgettable.

DETAILS:

QTY: 25

TYPE: Annual

SITE: Full Sun

DEPTH: 1/4"

GERMINATION: 5-7 days at 21-24°C

HEIGHT: 38-50”

MATURITY: 75-90 days

SPACING: 9-12”

PINCH: When 12” tall


HOW TO GROW:
Indoors (recommended): Sow seeds into seedling containers 4–6 weeks before the last frost. Cover the seeds, as they require darkness to germinate. A heat mat will help maintain an optimal temperature of 21–24°C. Lower temperatures will result in slower germination. Do not allow plants to become root-bound. Harden off seedlings for 7–10 days before transplanting them outdoors after all danger of frost has passed.

Direct Seed (alternative): Sow seeds directly outdoors after the last frost. For a prolonged harvest, succession-sow every two weeks until midsummer.

Pinching: To encourage strong branching and a more abundant bloom, pinch the initial bud or bloom from the plant when it is young. Continue to deadhead spent flowers throughout the season.

Soil Preference and Watering: Zinnias thrive in full sun and prefer well-drained, fertile soil. Keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid overwatering, which can lead to mildew.

Fertilizing: Zinnias are heavy feeders. Amending the soil with compost before planting is recommended. You can also use a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer every 4–6 weeks to encourage continuous blooming.

Harvesting: For bouquets, harvest stems when the flowers are fully open but still firm. To check if a zinnia is ready to be harvested, gently shake the stem; if the neck is wobbly, it's not ready. Harvest in the early morning or late evening and immediately place in a vase of water.