Cherry Queen Zinnia

Cherry Queen Zinnia showcases rich cherry-red blooms like a rose bush, without all the thorns! These double-bloomed beauties look alluring in bouquets and garden adornments with bold, full, and perfectly formed 4-inch blooms that add an element of elegance and charm. Cherry Queen plants grow to a height of 18-24 inches, making it ideal for garden borders, containers, or as part of a mixed flower bed.Cherry Queen Zinnia is not only beautiful but also incredibly easy to grow, flourishing in full sun with minimal care. It attracts butterflies, bringing your garden to life with their colorful presence. With its long blooming season, this variety keeps your garden radiant from summer all the way into fall. Ideal for gardeners looking for a low-maintenance yet stunning plant, Cherry Queen Zinnia delivers continuous beauty and joy throughout the growing season.

Also Known As: Cherry Zinnia, Queen Cherry Zinnia, Zinnia Cherry Queen, Cherry Red Zinnia, Scarlet Cherry Zinnia, Cherry Elegance Zinnia, Crimson Queen Zinnia, Ruby Queen Zinnia, Royal Cherry Zinnia, Cherry Blossom Zinnia.

Plant Name:	Zinnia, Cherry Queen
Latin Name:	Zinnia elegans
Days to Germinate:	7-14
Days to Bloom:	70
Plant Height:	2 - 3 Feet
Spread:	1 - 2 Feet
Bloom Diameter:	4 - 5 Inches
Growth Habit:	Bush
USDA Zones:	2-11
Lifespan:	Annual, Perennial 9-11
Brand:	TomorrowSeeds
Sunlight:	Full Sun, Partial Shade
Pollination:	Heirloom, Open-Pollinated
GMO:	No
Fungicide-Treated Seeds*:	No
Seeds Packed For**:	2025

*Fungicide-treated seeds protect the seedlings from diseases until they are up and growing. Do not eat treated seeds.
**Seeds are freshly packed for the growing season of the year listed. Seeds are still viable beyond pack date. Store in a cool and dry location such as the refrigerator or basement to best preserve germination rates.

Planting Instructions:

Soil Preparation:

Choose an area with heavy, well-draining soil that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Remove weeds, large rocks, and litter from the planting area. Leave small weeds and dead grass, they will enrich the soil when turned under. Spade or till the soil 6-8 inches deep. Loosening the soil will help the plant establish strong roots. If the soil is heavy or clay-like, mix in some sand or compost to improve drainage. Optionally, form rows of soil beds 4-6 inches high and at least 18 inches apart. This formation of ridges will help with drainage, ensure good airflow, and make harvesting for cut flowers easier. Lay down 1/2"-3/4" peat moss, sawdust, or potting soil, the soil surface. This layer is beneficial for flower seeds because it can the improve the germination environment and prevent soil crusting.

Planting:

Zinnia thrives in hot weather, preferring growing temperatures of 70F-85F.

Starting Indoors: For earlier blooms, you may optionally start planting indoors in containers 4-6 weeks before the last expected frost date in Spring, keeping seedlings at least 65F. Harden off then transplant seedlings outdoors in a sunny location when temperatures are consistently above 70F or night temperatures are consistently above 50F. To transplant seedlings, prepare a transplant hole outdoors in a sunny location. Remove the plants carefully from the pots or flats and set them in the transplant holes, burying some of the stem in the ground. Pack the soil loosely around the plant and leave a slightly sunken area around each plant to hold water. Water the plants after transplanting.

Directly Sowing: If directly sowing outdoors, plant in spring when the soil reaches at least 70F or when night temperatures are consistently above 50F. Fall planting is not recommended unless planting outdoors in environments with mild, frost-free winters, or planting indoors with supplemental grow lights. If fall planting, plant in containers to prepare to store plants indoors over winter.

To plant, make holes 1/2 inch deep and spaced 10 inches apart down the rows of raised beds. Plant 2-3 seeds per hole, then cover thinly with soil. In small plots, flower seeds may be scattered and gently watered in. Once seedlings emerge, plants can separated and spaced 10 inches apart to allow room for mature plants to spread and prevent overcrowding. Water after planting.

Planting Depth:	1/2 inch
Within-Row Spacing:	10 inches
Between-Row Spacing:	18-24 inches

Care During the Season:

Zinnia are low-maintenance plants once established and require minimal care. During the growing season, water regularly, providing about an inch per week, but avoid overhead watering to minimize the risk of powdery mildew. Applying a layer of mulch around the plants helps retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. To encourage continuous blooming, deadhead spent flowers by pinching or cutting them just above a set of leaves. For bushier plants, pinch back the stems when they are young. If growing tall varieties, staking may be necessary to prevent them from bending or breaking. Fertilizing lightly every few weeks with a balanced flower fertilizer can promote healthier growth and vibrant blooms. With care, zinnias will bloom profusely from late spring until the first frost, providing a colorful and pollinator-friendly display for many months.