Zinnia Seeds - Cherry Queen

Cherry Queen Zinnia is a striking variety known for its vibrant, deep cherry-red blooms that add bold color and elegance to any garden. This variety produces large, fully double flowers on strong stems, making it perfect for both garden displays and cut flower arrangements. Cherry Queen Zinnia thrives in full sun and warm conditions, making it an excellent choice for summer gardens, offering a long blooming period and low-maintenance care.

Key Benefits

• Vibrant Cherry Red Flowers: Features rich, deep cherry-red blooms that make a bold statement in any garden.
• Long Blooming Period: Provides continuous blooms from mid-summer until the first frost.
• Ideal for Cut Flowers: Large, sturdy blooms on long stems make it a perfect choice for fresh flower arrangements.
• Heat Tolerant: Thrives in full sun and hot temperatures, perfect for summer gardens.
• Low Maintenance: Easy to grow with minimal care, making it suitable for gardeners of all levels.

Variety Features

• Plant Characteristics: Compact, bushy plants with sturdy stems that support large flowers.
• Flower Size: 3–4 inches in diameter, fully double blooms.
• Growth Habit: Bushy and well-branched, with abundant flowers on each plant.
• Height: Grows 18–24 inches tall, ideal for borders, beds, or containers.

Planting Instructions

Planting Season

• When to Plant: Start indoors 4–6 weeks before the last frost date, or sow directly outdoors after the threat of frost has passed.
• Temperature Range: Best germination occurs at 70°F–80°F (21°C–27°C).

Planting Details

• Seed Depth: Plant seeds about 1/4 inch deep.
• Spacing: Space plants 8–12 inches apart to allow for healthy growth.
• Soil Requirements: Prefers well-draining, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0–7.5.
• Sunlight: Requires full sun for the best blooms and growth.

Care Instructions

Watering

• Keep soil evenly moist, but not waterlogged. Water deeply to encourage strong root development, especially in hot weather.

Fertilization

• Apply a balanced fertilizer every 4–6 weeks during the growing season to promote healthy growth and abundant flowers.

Deadheading

• Remove spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming and maintain a tidy appearance.

Pest and Disease Control

• Pests: Zinnias may attract aphids, caterpillars, or beetles. Use insecticidal soap or natural pest controls as needed.
• Diseases: Zinnias can be susceptible to powdery mildew or other fungal diseases. Provide good air circulation and avoid watering foliage to reduce disease risk.

Harvesting

• Cut Flowers: Harvest when flowers are fully open but still fresh. Use sharp scissors or garden shears to cut the stems.
• Seed Collection: Allow flowers to dry on the plant before collecting seeds for future planting.

Storage

• Fresh Flowers: Store cut flowers in water to extend their vase life, changing the water regularly.
• Seeds: Dry seeds thoroughly before storing them in a cool, dry place for future use.

Practical Uses

• Garden Borders: Ideal for adding bold color along garden edges or in mixed beds.
• Containers: Great for pots, hanging baskets, or window boxes.
• Cut Flowers: Perfect for use in floral arrangements and bouquets.
• Pollinator Gardens: Attracts bees and butterflies, making it a great choice for supporting local pollinators.

Conclusion

The Cherry Queen Zinnia is an eye-catching and vibrant flower that brings rich, deep red hues to your garden. Known for its heat tolerance, long bloom period, and ease of care, it's perfect for gardeners looking to add bold color with minimal effort. Whether used as a cut flower, in containers, or planted in garden beds, the Cherry Queen Zinnia will create a stunning visual display all summer long.