Zinnia 'Benary's Salmon Rose'

Benary’s Giant Salmon Rose (Zinnia elegans)

Benary’s Giant Salmon Rose blends warmth and softness, its 4 to 6-inch fully double blooms touched with shades of rose-pink and peach. The colour shifts in different light, sometimes glowing coral, other times softening to blush. Held aloft on tall, sturdy stems that can reach 50 inches, the flowers remain vibrant in heat and rain.

This cut-and-come-again variety offers excellent vase life, making it a favourite for romantic arrangements. Low susceptibility to powdery mildew ensures weeks of beauty, while pollinators add motion and life. Pair Salmon Rose with whites, soft mauves, and silvery foliage for an elegant, timeless look.

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.