Zinnia 'California Giants Mix'

California Giants Mix (Zinnia elegans)

California Giants Mix is a joyful tumble of colour straight from the pages of an old-fashioned seed catalog. Expect 4–6" semi- to fully double blooms in a medley of cheerful shades—pink, purple, red, orange, yellow, and white—though the exact mix is never guaranteed, making each planting a delightful mystery. Sturdy, branching plants rise to nearly 4 feet, holding their heads high through summer heat and rain. A true cut-and-come-again heirloom, these blooms beckon butterflies, bees, and other winged visitors. Perfect for mason jar bouquets, garden borders, or simply filling the air with cottage-garden charm, California Giants bring timeless beauty to any patch of soil.


QTY: 25

TYPE: Annual

SITE: Full Sun

DEPTH: 1/4"

GERMINATION: 5-7 days at 21-24°C

HEIGHT: 32-48”

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.