Zinnia 'Oklahoma Carmine'

Carmine Oklahoma (Zinnia elegans)

Carmine Oklahoma Zinnia is a striking garden beauty, producing medium-sized blooms in a deep, regal purple. Each flower rests atop long, sturdy stems, perfect for cutting or creating dramatic garden beds and borders. These reliable plants respond to regular harvesting with even more blooms, filling the garden with continuous colour throughout the season. Their rich, velvety hue pairs beautifully with soft creams, pale yellows, or contrasting bright reds, adding romantic charm and depth to bouquets and arrangements.

Easy to grow and highly productive, Carmine Oklahoma thrives in heat and sun, making it ideal for both beginner and experienced gardeners. With its long-lasting blooms and abundant stems, it brings effortless elegance and vibrant sophistication to cutting gardens, bouquets, and flower beds alike.

DETAILS:

QTY: 25

TYPE: Annual

SITE: Full Sun

DEPTH: 1/4"

GERMINATION: 5-7 days at 21-24°C

HEIGHT: 30-40”

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.