How to Grow Benary's Giant Scarlet Zinnia
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Benary's Giant Scarlet Zinnia
Zinnia elegans 'Benary's Giant Scarlet'
flowerBenary's Giant Scarlet is a tall, vigorous zinnia cultivar prized for its large, fully double flowers in brilliant scarlet-red. These showstopping blooms can reach 4-5 inches in diameter and appear abundantly on plants growing 24-36 inches tall. This heirloom variety is excellent for cut flowers, borders, and adding bold color to summer gardens.
When should you plant Benary's Giant Scarlet Zinnia in your zone?
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Example Benary's Giant Scarlet Zinnia timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Benary's Giant Scarlet Zinnia
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Benary's Giant Scarlet Zinnia blooms
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Benary's Giant Scarlet Zinnia dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives as an annual in zones 2-11; best performance in zones 5-10
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Get my Benary's Giant Scarlet Zinnia timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny green leaves emerge with true leaves following cotyledons. Plants are delicate and small.
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright light indoors. Thin seedlings to prevent damping-off.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksRapid stem elongation and leaf development. Plants develop bushy structure with multiple branch points.
Pinch out growing tips when 6 inches tall to encourage bushier, more branched plants. Maintain consistent watering and provide full sun.
Bud Formation
2-3 weeksTerminal buds begin to form at branch tips. Plants appear full and leafy with visible flower buds.
Continue regular watering and feeding with balanced or slightly phosphorus-rich fertilizer. Remove any diseased foliage.
Flowering
8-12 weeks (until frost)Large, fully double scarlet flowers open progressively. Blooms are 4-5 inches across with many petals.
Deadhead spent flowers to extend blooming. Water at base, not on foliage, to prevent mildew. Fertilize every 2-3 weeks.
Decline & Seed Set
4-6 weeks (varies by climate)As temperatures cool in fall, flowering slows. If flowers are left unpicked, seed heads develop.
Let final flowers fade if collecting seeds. Harvest seed pods when brown and dry. Plants end at first hard frost.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Common Pests
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Spray foliage with water to increase humidity; use miticide if severe. Improve air circulation.
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Avoid wetting foliage; ensure good air circulation. Apply sulfur dust or neem oil at first signs.
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Spray with insecticidal soap or strong water spray. Encourage beneficial insects.
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Yellow sticky traps; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap as needed.
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Remove affected leaves; improve air circulation. Avoid overhead watering.
Uses
Edible Flowers
CulinaryZinnia petals are edible with a slightly citrusy flavor and can garnish salads and desserts, though primarily used for visual appeal rather than flavor. [source]
Cut Flowers
HouseholdOutstanding vase life of 10-14 days. The large, full double blooms and scarlet color make these prized by florists and home arrangers. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeWhile double flowers have less nectar than single varieties, zinnias still attract butterflies, bees, and beneficial insects throughout summer. [source]
Dried Flowers & Seeds
CraftFlowers dry well for arrangements and crafts when hung upside-down in a dark, airy space. Seeds can be collected for next season. [source]
Traditional Uses
MedicinalIn traditional herbalism, zinnias have been used in teas and remedies, though scientific evidence is limited. Used historically in Ayurvedic medicine. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Cut flowers in early morning when stems are turgid. Remove lower leaves and place immediately in water. Deadhead regularly to promote continuous blooming for 8-12 weeks. For seeds, allow final flowers to dry on plant until seed pods turn brown, then collect and store in cool, dry place.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Benary's Giant Scarlet is a classic heirloom variety developed in Germany in the 1950s and remains one of the most reliable scarlet zinnias for cut flower production.
- 🌱 Zinnias were named by Linnaeus after Johann Gottfried Zinn, an 18th-century botanist and physician, honoring his contributions to natural history.
- 🌱 The fully double flowers of modern zinnias are the result of selective breeding; wild zinnias have simple single flowers with prominent yellow centers.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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