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How to Grow Benary's Giant Zinnia Scarlet

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Benary's Giant Zinnia Scarlet

Zinnia elegans 'Benary's Giant Scarlet'

flower

Benary's Giant Scarlet is a tall, robust zinnia cultivar renowned for its enormous double flowers in vivid scarlet-red hues. These showstopping blooms can reach 4-5 inches in diameter and are held on strong, sturdy stems, making them exceptional for cut flowers and garden displays. The plant grows to 30-36 inches tall and produces abundant flowers from mid-summer through fall.

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Example Benary's Giant Zinnia Scarlet timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Benary's Giant Zinnia Scarlet

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. First Benary's Giant Zinnia Scarlet blooms

    Around Jun 26

    ≈ 70 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Benary's Giant Zinnia Scarlet dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily minimum; tolerates partial sun but flowers best in bright light
💧
Water: Water deeply and regularly, keeping soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Once established, moderately drought-tolerant. Water at the base to avoid wet foliage and fungal issues.
📏
Spacing: 18 inches
📅
Days to maturity: 70-85 days from seed to first flowers
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Planting depth: 0.25 inches (seeds directly sown); transplants at soil level

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil with moderate fertility
pH: 6.0-7.0
Amendments:
Compost Aged manure Peat moss or coconut coir for moisture retention Perlite for improved drainage

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 3-11; grown as an annual in most climates

2b 3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b 10a 10b 11a 11b

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Growth Stages

1

Seedling

2-3 weeks

Small, tender plants with 2-4 true leaves emerging from cotyledons. Growth is relatively slow initially.

Keep soil warm (70-75°F) and consistently moist. Provide bright light to prevent leggy growth. Thin seedlings to proper spacing when 2-3 inches tall.

2

Vegetative Growth

3-4 weeks

Rapid stem and leaf development. Plant becomes bushy with multiple leaf pairs. No flowers yet; foliage is lush and green.

Pinch or deadhead early flower buds to encourage branching and bushier form. This results in more, larger flowers later. Ensure consistent watering and full sun exposure.

3

Budding

2-3 weeks

Terminal and axillary buds form at stem tips and leaf junctures. Buds enlarge over time, showing the characteristic round button shape.

Maintain consistent moisture and apply balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks or use slow-release fertilizer. Remove any damaged buds. Stake tall plants for support.

4

Flowering

8-12 weeks (until frost or plant senescence)

Large, double pompom-style flowers with many layered petals open in brilliant scarlet-red. Peak bloom is achieved with multiple flowers open simultaneously on strong stems.

Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage continuous flowering. Water at soil level to protect flowers. Stake or support main stems to handle the weight of giant blooms.

5

Seed Production & Senescence

4-6 weeks until frost

If flowers are not deadheaded, they fade and form seed heads. Plant vigor gradually declines as temperatures cool in fall.

Allow a few flowers to remain on plant if saving seeds. Collect seed heads when they dry and turn brown. Pull plant when productivity drops or frost threatens.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Salvia Dusty Miller Marigold Cosmos Celosia Verbena Dahlia Sunflower Sweet Alyssum Russian Sage

Avoid planting near:

Fennel Dill Anise

Common Pests

  • Spray with water to dislodge; use neem oil or insecticidal soap if infestation is severe. Ensure adequate humidity and avoid overhead watering stress.

  • Ensure good air circulation. Apply sulfur dust or neem oil spray. Avoid wetting foliage. Remove severely affected leaves.

  • Use insecticidal soap or spinosad-based products. Remove affected flowers. Use reflective mulches to confuse pests.

  • Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap weekly. Use yellow sticky traps to monitor and reduce populations.

  • Avoid overhead watering and wet soil conditions. Remove affected plants. Improve drainage and air circulation.

Uses

🍳

Edible Flower Garnish

Culinary

Zinnia petals are edible and add vibrant color and a mild, slightly sweet flavor to salads, desserts, and beverages. The large petals of Benary's Giant are especially striking as garnishes. [source]

🏠

Cut Flowers & Floral Arrangements

Household

These giant, long-stemmed flowers are prized by florists and home arrangers for their size, longevity, and structural integrity. Their bold scarlet color provides striking focal points in mixed bouquets. [source]

🎨

Dried Flower Arrangements

Craft

Benary's Giant Scarlet zinnias dry exceptionally well while retaining color and form. Dry flower heads upside-down in a cool, dry location and use in permanent arrangements and crafts. [source]

🦋

Pollinator Attraction

Wildlife

Zinnias are magnets for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. The abundant nectar and pollen of these double flowers sustain pollinators throughout the growing season. [source]

💊

Traditional Herbal Use

Medicinal

In some traditional medicine systems, zinnia flowers are used in teas or infusions for their potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, though clinical evidence is limited. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Harvest flowers in early morning when stems are turgid for best vase life (often 10-14 days with proper care). Cut stems at a 45-degree angle just above a leaf node to encourage branching. Remove lower foliage that would sit in water. Change water every 2-3 days and re-cut stems every few days for maximum longevity.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Benary's Giant cultivars are one of the largest zinnia varieties available, with flowers sometimes exceeding 5 inches in diameter—making them perfect for creating dramatic visual impact in gardens.
  • 🌱 Zinnias are native to Mexico and have been cultivated for thousands of years; the name comes from botanist Johann Gottfried Zinn, and the scarlet color was especially prized in Aztec gardens.
  • 🌱 Deadheading zinnias is highly rewarding: the more flowers you cut or remove, the more the plant produces, making this variety an excellent choice for continuous cutting gardens throughout summer and fall.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Cultivar Deadhead Full Sun True Leaves
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