Zinnia 'Benary's Lime'

Benary’s Giant Lime (Zinnia elegans)

Benary’s Giant Lime is a fresh, unexpected delight in the cutting garden, with fully double, 4 to 6-inch blooms in clear chartreuse-green. Lush and rounded, the dahlia-like petals bring vibrancy and brightness to arrangements, making other colours pop in contrast. Tall, up-to-50-inch plants stay strong and upright through summer heat and storms, keeping their colour crisp and clean.

With a cut-and-come-again habit and excellent vase life, Lime is a favourite among designers and gardeners alike. Low susceptibility to powdery mildew keeps it fresh all season, while pollinators visit in abundance. This shade is striking with magentas, corals, and deep reds, but just as enchanting when paired with pale pastels for a modern-meets-romantic aesthetic.

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.