
Zinnia violacea
Fresh this week. Last restocked Jun 25.
Zinnia elegans is a fast-growing Mexican annual bearing bold, daisy-like flower heads in an exceptionally wide range of colors, from white and yellow to deep red and purple. One of the easiest annuals to grow for cutting gardens and borders, it is a major attractor of butterflies and hummingbirds. Starting at $6.95.
Bloom season. New foliage emerges. Good planting window.
Bloom season.
Bloom season. Foliage may begin to change or drop.
Dormant — drops foliage.
Plant zinnias in full sun — 6 or more hours of direct sunlight daily — for maximum flowering; in NE Florida's intense summer heat, good air circulation around plants is equally important to reduce the powdery mildew that commonly affects zinnias in humid conditions.
Water zinnias at the soil level, keeping foliage dry to minimize powdery mildew; maintain moderate, consistent moisture and allow the top inch of soil to dry between waterings. In NE Florida's rainy season, reduce supplemental irrigation and ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.
Zinnias thrive in well-drained sandy or loamy soil of average fertility; in NE Florida, direct-sow seeds or transplant after the last frost (typically February) for a spring-to-fall display. Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer at planting and deadhead regularly to extend the long blooming season.

Shares 7 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, salt tolerance, deer resistance, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.

Shares 7 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, salt tolerance, deer resistance, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.

Shares 7 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, loam, salt tolerance, deer resistance, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.

Shares 7 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, salt tolerance, deer resistance, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.

Shares 7 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, salt tolerance, deer resistance, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.

Shares 7 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, salt tolerance, deer resistance, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Zinnia is a annual for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, with high salt tolerance, reaching 6 inches to 3 feet (varies by cultivar) × 6-12 inches.
Last reviewed February 2026. Our care guidance comes from trusted horticulture sources and decades of helping St. Augustine gardeners. Conditions here can vary dramatically from one area to the next, so come ask us and we'll tailor it to your yard.