How to Grow Zinnia, Benary's Giant Pink
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Zinnia, Benary's Giant Pink
Zinnia elegans
flowerBenary's Giant Pink is a tall, vigorous zinnia cultivar known for producing enormous, fully double flower heads in soft pink tones on sturdy stems. These impressive blooms can reach 4-5 inches across and are excellent for cutting and arranging. The plant grows 24-36 inches tall and flowers prolifically from mid-summer until frost.
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Example Zinnia, Benary's Giant Pink timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Zinnia, Benary's Giant Pink
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 Zinnia, Benary's Giant Pink blooms
Around Jun 26≈ 70 days after planting
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives as an annual in zones 2-11; prefers warm climates for best performance
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Seedling
10-14 daysTiny seedlings with first true leaves emerging; delicate green sprouts establish root system
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; provide bright light; thin seedlings to prevent crowding; avoid fertilizer at this stage
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksPlant develops sturdy stems and abundant foliage; reaches 6-12 inches tall with increasingly robust growth
Pinch back stem tips when plants are 6 inches tall to encourage branching and bushier form; fertilize lightly every 2-3 weeks with balanced fertilizer; ensure adequate spacing for air circulation
Bud Formation
2-3 weeksFlower buds begin appearing at stem tips; plant approaches full height of 24-36 inches; buds are initially tight and small
Continue regular watering; increase fertilizer to support heavy flowering; stake or support tall plants if needed; deadhead any early flowers to redirect energy to main blooms
Flowering
8-12 weeks until frostLarge, fully double pink flowers open to 4-5 inches across; plant is covered with blooms; continuous flower production
Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage more blooming; maintain consistent watering schedule; fertilize every 2 weeks with bloom-boosting fertilizer (higher phosphorus); remove any diseased or damaged foliage immediately
Maturity/Seed Production
Until first frostIf flowers are left undeadheaded, seed heads develop; plant vigor may decline as energy shifts to seed production
Allow select flowers to remain for seed collection if desired; most gardeners continue deadheading to extend blooming; in late season, reduce fertilizer to prevent soft new growth vulnerable to frost
Common Pests
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Improve air circulation through proper spacing; avoid overhead watering; apply sulfur or neem oil spray at first sign; remove affected leaves; water in morning
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Spray foliage with water to dislodge; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil; increase humidity; severe infestations may require miticide
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Use yellow sticky traps; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage natural predators like ladybugs; remove heavily infested leaves
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Remove affected flowers; use reflective mulches; spray with spinosad or neem oil; encourage beneficial insects
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and
(Gastropoda)
Remove by hand, especially at night; use copper barriers or tape; apply iron phosphate bait; encourage ground beetles and other predators
Uses
Edible Flower Garnish
CulinaryZinnia petals are edible and add a delicate, slightly peppery flavor and striking visual appeal to salads, desserts, and beverages. Only use flowers grown without pesticides for consumption. [source]
Premium Cut Flowers
CraftBenary's Giant Pink zinnias are prized by florists and home arrangers for their large, full blooms and long vase life. They are ideal for wedding arrangements, bouquets, and professional floral design. [source]
Pollinator Attraction
WildlifeZinnias attract butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds throughout the blooming season, providing essential nectar and pollen sources. Allowing some flowers to go to seed also provides food for birds. [source]
Garden Color and Landscape Design
HouseholdThe abundant pink blooms provide vibrant, consistent color in mixed borders, cottage gardens, and cutting gardens. Tall growth habit makes them excellent as backdrop plantings or focal points. [source]
Traditional Herbal Preparations
MedicinalIn traditional medicine, zinnia flowers have been used in teas and infusions for potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, though scientific 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
Cut flowers in early morning when stems are fully hydrated; cut at a 45-degree angle with sharp, clean pruners; remove lower foliage below the waterline; change water every 2-3 days; Benary's Giant Pink flowers are exceptional cut flowers lasting 7-14 days in a vase. Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage continuous flowering throughout the season. For seed collection, allow flowers to fully dry on the plant; harvest seed heads when papery and brown
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Zinnia elegans is native to Mexico and was named after botanist Johann Gottfried Zinn; it became popular in European gardens in the 18th century and is now one of the most beloved annual flowers worldwide.
- 🌱 Benary's Giant cultivars are the result of decades of selective breeding by the prestigious German seed company Ernst Benary, which was founded in 1843 and pioneered many modern zinnia varieties.
- 🌱 Zinnias demonstrate a fascinating response to deadheading: the more you remove spent flowers, the more blooms the plant produces, sometimes increasing flower production by 50% or more compared to undeadheaded plants.
Gardening Terms
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