Zinnia 'Oklahoma Ivory'

Oklahoma Ivory (Zinnia elegans)

Oklahoma Ivory Zinnia is a timeless and elegant choice, producing medium-sized blooms in a soft, creamy ivory hue. Each flower sits atop long, sturdy stems, making it perfect for cutting gardens, borders, or mixed bouquets. Its gentle colour provides a luminous, neutral backdrop that highlights and complements other blooms, from deep purples and burgundies to soft pastels. Regular harvesting encourages even more abundant flowering, filling the garden with a steady stream of delicate, classic blooms throughout the season.

Easy to grow and highly productive, Oklahoma Ivory thrives in heat and sun while standing strong against common garden challenges. Its long-lasting blooms and generous stems make it an ideal choice for gardeners seeking elegance, versatility, and charm. Perfect for cutting gardens or as a subtle yet sophisticated addition to borders and floral arrangements.

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.