Zinnia 'Aurora Mix'

Zinnia elegans

Aurora Mix glows like the first blush of morning light, with blooms that seem to hold both the softness of dawn and the warmth of a lingering sunset. Large, dahlia-shaped double flowers—each 4 to 6 inches across—unfold in two-tone blends where contrasting centres deepen the colour play. Apricot melts into butter yellow, coral softens into gold, orange meets rose-pink, and each bloom feels touched by a painter’s brush. A scattering of semidouble and single forms, along with a rare cactus-flowered surprise, adds charm and variety to this elegant collection.

Their rich palette recalls vintage textiles and antique garden prints, making them a perfect choice for nostalgic arrangements. Butterflies, bees, and other pollinators flock to these blooms, ensuring the garden hums with life. Pair them with mauve-toned snapdragons, wine-red scabiosa, or the silvery airiness of dusty miller for a striking balance, or soften the look with pale lavender cosmos and creamy lisianthus for a dreamy, old-world bouquet.

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.