Zinnia – Swizzle

Zinnia – Swizzle

• Growing Temp 70°F – 85°F

• Days to Maturity 55-65 days

Ease of Cultivation and uses: The ‘Swizzle’ zinnia is a striking variety known for its unique, bicolor blooms that create a cheerful display in any garden. This zinnia is relatively easy to grow, making it an ideal choice for gardeners of all skill levels. With its vibrant colors and long-lasting flowers, the ‘Swizzle’ zinnia is perfect for borders, beds, and containers. Additionally, it attracts pollinators, enhancing the biodiversity of your garden.

Direct Sowing: For direct sowing, plant ‘Swizzle’ zinnia seeds outdoors after the last frost date when soil temperatures consistently reach 70°F. Sow the seeds ¼ inch deep and space them about 10–12 inches apart to ensure good airflow and prevent disease. Water the seeds thoroughly after planting, keeping the soil consistently moist until germination, which typically occurs within 7–14 days. Once established, these zinnias are drought-tolerant and require minimal care.

Early Sowing for Seedlings: For an early start, sow seeds indoors 4–6 weeks before the last expected frost. Use seedling trays filled with quality potting mix, placing one seed per cell and lightly covering it with soil. Maintain a temperature around 70°F to encourage germination. Once the seedlings have developed their first true leaves and the danger of frost has passed, transplant them into the garden or larger containers, spacing them 10–12 inches apart. Water well after transplanting to help them establish.

Harvesting: To identify when ‘Swizzle’ zinnias are ready for harvest, look for fully open flowers that showcase their distinctive bicolor patterns. Cut the stems in the morning when flowers are dry to ensure maximum freshness. Regularly deadheading spent blooms will encourage the plants to produce more flowers throughout the growing season. These zinnias make fantastic cut flowers, brightening up any floral arrangement.