How to Grow Zinnia Benary's Giant
Zinnia Benary's Giant
Zinnia elegans 'Benary's Giant'
flowerBenary's Giant is a premium zinnia cultivar prized for producing exceptionally large, fully double flowers up to 5 inches in diameter on tall, sturdy stems. This variety was developed by the Benary seed company and is ideal for cut flowers, arrangements, and garden displays. It combines vigor with an impressive palette of vibrant colors including red, pink, purple, yellow, and orange.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 2-11; grown as annual in cooler zones, perennial or year-round in warmest zones
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Growth Stages
Seed Germination
5-10 daysSeeds are tiny and require light exposure; seedlings emerge with cotyledons (seed leaves) within 5-10 days at 70-75°F soil temperature.
Press seeds lightly into moist seed-starting mix but do not cover heavily. Maintain consistent moisture and bright light. Keep soil temperature warm.
Seedling Development
2-3 weeksFirst true leaves appear; seedlings develop 2-4 leaves and establish a small root system. Plants are tender and vulnerable to damping-off disease.
Provide bright indirect light; avoid overwatering. Thin seedlings to prevent crowding. Maintain good air circulation. Harden off gradually before transplanting.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksPlants develop a strong branching structure with increasing foliage. Heights reach 24-36 inches; stems thicken and strengthen. Pinching encourages bushier growth.
Pinch center stem when plants reach 6 inches to promote lateral branching and more flowers. Water consistently and feed with balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. Support tall stems with stakes if needed.
Flowering
8-12 weeks until frostLarge, fully double pompom-like flowers (4-5 inches) appear on strong, upright stems. Continuous blooming occurs from early summer through frost.
Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage more blooms. Apply balanced or slightly higher-phosphorus fertilizer weekly. Ensure adequate water during blooming. Harvest flowers early morning for best vase life.
Seed Production
4-6 weeks post-bloomFlowers begin to fade and drop petals. If left undeadheaded, flowers produce seed heads that harden and dry.
Allow some flowers to mature if you want to collect seeds for next year. Let seed heads dry on the plant, then collect and store in cool, dry conditions. Remove from garden before seeds self-sow excessively.
Common Pests
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Mist foliage regularly to increase humidity; use miticide or spray with strong water stream. Encourage predatory mites and beneficial insects.
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Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering. Apply sulfur dust or neem oil at first sign. Remove heavily infected leaves.
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Inspect flower buds regularly; use insecticidal soap or spinosad spray. Remove and discard heavily infested flowers.
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Use yellow sticky traps for monitoring. Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil on undersides of leaves.
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and
(Pythium, Rhizoctonia)
Use well-draining soil mix, avoid overwatering, and ensure good air circulation. Remove infected plants immediately. Sterilize tools between plants.
Uses
Edible Flowers
CulinaryZinnia petals are edible and add peppery, slightly sweet flavor and vibrant color to salads, garnishes, and desserts. They should be eaten fresh and sourced from flowers grown without pesticides. [source]
Cut Flowers & Arrangements
CraftBenary's Giant zinnias are premium cut flowers prized by florists and gardeners for their large, long-lasting blooms and tall, strong stems ideal for traditional arrangements, bouquets, and vase displays. [source]
Pollinator Magnet
WildlifeDouble zinnias attract butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds to the garden, supporting pollinator populations and biodiversity. The abundant pollen and nectar make them valuable for beneficial insect habitat. [source]
Dried Flowers
HouseholdZinnia flowers dry beautifully for use in dried arrangements, potpourri, and craft projects. Hang-dry flower heads upside down in a warm, dark, well-ventilated area for 2-3 weeks. [source]
Traditional Herbal Use
MedicinalIn some traditional medicine systems, zinnia flowers have been used to support respiratory health and reduce inflammation. Modern scientific evidence is limited, but the plant contains beneficial phytonutrients. [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 early in the morning or late afternoon when stems are fully hydrated. Use clean, sharp scissors and cut at a 45-degree angle. Remove lower leaves below the waterline. Change water every 2-3 days. Zinnias last 7-14 days in a vase. Deadhead spent flowers on plants to encourage continuous blooming throughout the season.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Benary's Giant was developed by the prestigious German seed company Ernst Benary, founded in 1843, and remains one of the most reliable large-flowered zinnia varieties after more than 100 years.
- 🌱 Zinnia flowers can reach up to 5 inches in diameter and are so densely petaled that they were used extensively in Victorian floral design and remain popular with professional florists today.
- 🌱 Zinnias are native to Mexico and were unknown to European gardeners until the 16th century; they were named by Linnaeus in honor of German botanist Johann Gottfried Zinn.
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