How to Grow Safari Scarlet
Wikimedia Commons
Safari Scarlet
Zinnia elegans 'Safari Scarlet'
flowerSafari Scarlet is a compact zinnia cultivar known for its vibrant scarlet-red flowers and dwarf growth habit, typically reaching 12-18 inches tall. It produces abundant, fully double blooms throughout the growing season with minimal deadheading required. This variety is excellent for bedding, containers, and cutting gardens.
When should you plant Safari Scarlet in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Safari Scarlet timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Safari Scarlet
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
First Safari Scarlet blooms
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Safari Scarlet dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-11, grown as annual in cooler regions
Sign up free to see if Safari Scarlet grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Safari Scarlet timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny seedlings with first true leaves appear 7-10 days after sowing. Seedlings are delicate with thin stems and oval cotyledons.
Maintain consistent moisture and warmth (70-75°F). Provide bright light once germinated. Thin seedlings to prevent damping-off disease. Avoid overwatering.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksYoung plants develop multiple sets of true leaves, branching structure becomes visible, and stems thicken. Plant grows 3-6 inches tall.
Maintain bright light and warm temperatures. Water regularly but allow soil surface to dry slightly between waterings. Begin light fertilizing at half strength every 2 weeks. Pinch tops when 4-6 inches tall to encourage bushiness.
Flowering (Early)
2-3 weeksFirst flower buds appear at branch tips. Compact growth habit becomes evident with multiple shoot formation. Plant is 8-12 inches tall.
Maintain regular watering and fertilizing schedule (balanced fertilizer weekly). Remove any diseased or yellowing leaves. Support with stakes if needed in windy locations. Begin deadheading spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming.
Full Bloom
8-12 weeks or until frostAbundant scarlet-red double flowers cover the compact mounded plant, 12-18 inches tall. Continuous blooming occurs throughout season.
Deadhead spent flowers regularly (2-3 times weekly) to maximize bloom production. Water deeply during hot weather. Feed every 7-10 days with balanced or slightly higher phosphorus fertilizer. Watch for powdery mildew in humid conditions.
Decline/Frost
Until first frost (32°F)Blooming slows as temperatures drop below 50°F. Foliage may discolor, and frost kills the plant in regions with freezing winters.
Stop deadheading 4-6 weeks before first frost to allow seed development if desired. Reduce watering as growth slows. Collect seeds from mature flower heads before killing frost.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Increase humidity by misting, spray with water to dislodge, use insecticidal soap or neem oil weekly if severe
-
Improve air circulation, avoid overhead watering, apply sulfur or potassium bicarbonate fungicides at first sign, remove affected leaves
-
Use yellow sticky traps, spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil, encourage beneficial insects like parasitic wasps
-
and
Remove by hand, use copper tape around containers, apply diatomaceous earth around base, set beer traps
-
Spray with strong water stream, apply insecticidal soap, use neem oil, encourage natural predators like ladybugs
Uses
Edible Flowers for Garnish
CulinarySafari Scarlet zinnia petals are edible and add vibrant color and a slightly peppery flavor to salads, desserts, and beverages. Ensure they have not been treated with pesticides. [source]
Cut Flowers & Arrangements
HouseholdThe long stems and double blooms make Safari Scarlet excellent for fresh flower arrangements, bouquets, and floral design. Flowers last 7-10 days in a vase. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeZinnias are excellent nectar sources that attract bees, butterflies, and hoverflies. While double flowers have reduced pollen access compared to single varieties, they still provide valuable food. [source]
Dried Flowers
CraftSafari Scarlet flowers dry exceptionally well, maintaining their bright color and form when hung upside-down in a warm, dark location for 2-3 weeks. Ideal for dried arrangements and crafts. [source]
Traditional Herbal Use
MedicinalZinnia flowers have been used in traditional medicine for their potential anti-inflammatory properties. Tea made from zinnia petals is used in some cultures for respiratory support. [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 fully hydrated for longest vase life (7-10 days). Cut stems at 45-degree angle just above a leaf node. Remove lower leaves that would sit below the waterline. Change water every 2-3 days and re-cut stems. For seed saving, allow flowers to fully dry on plant, then collect seed heads, dry indoors, and extract seeds.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Safari Scarlet and other zinnias are native to Mexico and were brought to Europe in the 16th century, becoming beloved garden flowers worldwide.
- 🌱 Zinnias were named after Johann Gottfried Zinn, an 18th-century German botanist and physician, in honor of his scientific contributions.
- 🌱 Zinnias are one of the easiest flowers to grow from seed and are often recommended for beginning gardeners and children due to their reliability and quick germination.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Safari Scarlet planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Safari Scarlet seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Safari Scarlet timeline →