Zinnia 'Isabellina'

Isabellina (Zinnia elegans)

Isabellina Zinnia is a soft, glowing presence in the garden, its creamy yellow blooms opening in both fully double and semi-double forms. Measuring 4–6 inches across, each flower feels like a warm note of sunshine filtered through ivory lace. The blooms rest on strong, healthy stems, branching generously on plants that grow 2 to 3 feet tall, offering an abundance of colour and texture throughout the season. Their gentle hue adds a calming brightness to garden beds, cutting gardens, and floral arrangements alike.

Beautiful in its own quiet way, Isabellina pairs effortlessly with deep burgundy scabiosa, coral zinnias, or airy sprays of baby’s breath. Whether massed in a border or gathered into armfuls for the vase, it brings a vintage-inspired charm and soft elegance that never overwhelms. A dependable, generous bloomer that fills the garden with light from summer into autumn.

DETAILS:

QTY: 25

TYPE: Annual

SITE: Full Sun

DEPTH: 1/4"

GERMINATION: 5-7 days at 21-24°C

HEIGHT: 24-30”

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.