Zinnia 'Benary's Carmine Rose'

Zinnia elegans

Benary’s Giant Carmine Rose carries a rich, vibrant magenta-pink that glows like petals steeped in late-summer light. Each fully double, dahlia-like bloom reaches 4 to 6 inches across, its velvety layers drawing the eye and holding it. Tall, up-to-50-inch plants stand gracefully in the garden, their long, sturdy stems holding their colour beautifully through summer heat, heavy rain, and shifting winds.

A cut-and-come-again treasure with excellent vase life, Carmine Rose offers a steady harvest of blooms for lush arrangements. Low susceptibility to powdery mildew keeps its charm intact, while bees, butterflies, and other pollinators add life and motion. Pair it with creamy whites, golden yellows, or deep purples for a vibrant, balanced display, or with silvery foliage for a striking, modern edge.

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.