Zinnia 'Desert Sunset' Mix

Desert Sun Mix (Zinnia elegans)

Desert Sun Mix Zinnia blazes with the rich, sun-warmed colours of the high summer landscape—scarlet, carmine, purple, deep red, coral, and orange. Fully double, dahlia-like blooms measuring 4–6 inches across stand proudly on long, sturdy stems, perfect for generous bouquets. Each bloom is a layered burst of colour, catching the light and bringing warmth to garden beds and floral arrangements alike. With high yields and excellent vase life, every stem feels like a ribbon of summer captured in bloom.

Part of the renowned Benary’s line, Desert Sun Mix offers vigorous plants that grow 3–4 feet tall, holding strong through summer heat and rain with low susceptibility to powdery mildew. Its cut-and-come-again habit ensures an endless succession of blooms from early summer to frost. Pair these fiery tones with golden rudbeckia, crisp white cosmos, or the deep burgundy of scabiosa for bouquets that radiate bold, sunlit energy.

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.