Zinnia Seeds – Swizzle Cherry & Ivory

About the Variety

Swizzle Cherry & Ivory Zinnia Seeds’ blooms create a stunning visual impact in the garden, thanks to their abundance on tidy, low-lying plants. Enormous three-to-four-inch blossoms are adorned with layers of petals that blanket the compact 10- to 12-inch plants entirely. Each flower displays layers of petals of vibrant cherry red, frosted with a delicate brush of white at each tip, then finished with a fine outline of crimson, resembling fireworks atop each stem.

Key Features

Heat Tolerant, Drought Tolerant, Container Friendly, Attracts Bees, Attracts Butterflies, Fast Growing, Easy to Grow, Perfect for Cut Flowers, Perfect for Borders, Edible, North American Native Cultivar

Plant Details

Planting Information

Planting Guide

When to Plant

Zinnias are best started directly outdoors in locations where spring warms up early. They are classed as tender annuals and can be directly sown into the garden after all danger of frost is over and daytime temps are at least 50°F and above. In cooler climates, start seeds indoors four to six weeks before your area’s average last-frost date.

Where to Plant

Choose a spot that has full sun. Zinnias can thrive in a wide array of well-draining soil conditions.

How to Plant

Turn over the soil in the area you want to plant your zinnias and work in two or three inches of compost or peat moss to help improve soil fertility and drainage. Plant the seeds only about ¼ – ½ inch deep and you should see seedlings sprout in four to seven days. Once the seedlings reach about three inches tall, thin them to maximize air circulation, and prevent powdery mildew. The dwarf varieties, reaching a height of 1 to 1 ½ feet, should be planted or thinned to about nine inches apart, while the taller three-foot varieties should be spaced about one foot apart. If starting your zinnias indoors, fill up your pots with organic potting mix. Saturate the potting mix with water and then place two zinnia seeds into each planting cell or pot. Press into the soil for good seed-to-soil contact and then cover with approximately half an inch of the potting mix. Place your zinnias in an area that will receive plenty of warmth (65°F-70°F) and light. Keep your zinnia seeds moistened, checking on them every day or two. Expect to see germination in about 7 to 10 days. Once your seedlings reach about two to three inches tall, they are ready to be transplanted outdoors. Harden off the plants by vacationing trays outside for a few hours per day before planting them in your garden. Learn how to harden off seedlings here. Zinnias may be transplanted with ease, as it is possible to move the plants when they are in full flower! Although they thrive best in full sun, they will also endure partial shade.

How to Care for

Water the area of your zinnia plants carefully, do not get the stems or leaves wet since zinnias are prone to mildew. Keep your zinnia garden lightly moistened, and let the area dry out between watering. The beauty of zinnias is that you can spend your attention elsewhere while they bloom profusely summer to autumn. How to Plant & Grow Zinnias – Video Tutorial