How to Grow Zinnia, Benary's Giant Scarlet
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Zinnia, Benary's Giant Scarlet
Zinnia elegans 'Benary's Giant Scarlet'
flowerBenary's Giant Scarlet is a tall, robust zinnia cultivar prized for producing massive, fully double flowers in brilliant scarlet-red on sturdy stems ideal for cut flowers and garden displays. This vigorous annual grows 24-36 inches tall and produces abundant blooms from midsummer through fall frost. The large, dahlia-like flowers can reach 4-5 inches in diameter and are long-lasting both in the garden and as cut flowers.
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Example Zinnia, Benary's Giant Scarlet timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Zinnia, Benary's Giant Scarlet
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 Scarlet blooms
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Grown as warm-season annual in all zones; thrives in zones 3-11
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Seedling
10-14 daysTiny seedlings with first true leaves appearing; very tender and susceptible to damping off.
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright light and good air circulation. Thin or transplant when first true leaves appear.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksRapid stem and leaf development; plants grow 4-8 inches tall with increasingly robust foliage.
Pinch growing tips at 6-8 inches tall to encourage bushier, multi-stemmed plants with more flowers. Water regularly and ensure full sun exposure. Apply balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks.
Budding
2-3 weeksFlower buds appear at branch tips; plants are 12-18 inches tall with dense foliage.
Continue regular watering and feeding. Reduce nitrogen fertilizer slightly to encourage flowering rather than excessive foliage. Ensure adequate sunlight.
Blooming
6-10 weeks (until frost)Large, fully double scarlet flowers (4-5 inches diameter) open continuously from multiple stems; plants reach 24-36 inches.
Deadhead spent flowers regularly to promote continuous blooming. Water at soil level to avoid wetting flowers. Pinch or cut flowers for vase arrangements to stimulate more blooms. Apply low-nitrogen, high-phosphorus fertilizer every 2 weeks.
Decline
Until first frostBlooming slows and stops as temperatures drop below 50°F; foliage may yellow or darken.
Plants will be killed by the first hard frost. Allow final flowers to mature if desired for seed collection, or continue deadheading for late-season blooms.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Improve air circulation; water at soil level only; avoid crowding. Apply sulfur dust or neem oil spray if needed. Remove affected leaves.
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Mist foliage with water to increase humidity; spray with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap in severe cases.
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Hand-pick in early morning; use Japanese beetle traps away from plants; apply neem oil or spinosad if infestation is heavy.
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Remove infected plant material; improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering; do not handle plants when wet.
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Spray with water to dislodge; use insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage beneficial insects.
Uses
Edible flower garnish
CulinaryZinnia petals are edible and add vibrant scarlet color and a slightly spicy, peppery flavor to salads, desserts, and cocktail garnishes. Only use petals grown without chemical pesticides. [source]
Cut flower arrangements
CraftBenary's Giant Scarlet produces some of the largest, most perfect cut flowers in the zinnia world, holding their form and color excellently in vases for 1-2 weeks. These are favored by florists and home arrangers for mixed bouquets and statement displays. [source]
Dried flower crafts
HouseholdFlowers dry beautifully when hung upside-down in a warm, dry location for 2-3 weeks, retaining much of their scarlet color. Perfect for winter arrangements, wreaths, and long-term decorative displays. [source]
Pollinator attraction
WildlifeZinnias attract numerous pollinators including honeybees, bumblebees, butterflies, and hoverflies throughout the season. Planting them supports these beneficial insects in gardens and landscapes. [source]
Traditional herbal uses
MedicinalIn traditional Chinese medicine and folk remedies, zinnia has been used to support immune function and general wellness, though scientific evidence is limited. Petals can be made into herbal tea. [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. Use sharp, clean scissors or shears. Cut just above a leaf node to encourage branching and more blooms. Flowers last 10-14 days in a vase with fresh water changed every 2-3 days. For seeds, allow 2-3 flowers at the end of season to fully mature and dry on the plant; collect dried seed heads before frost.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Benary's Giant Scarlet is a German-bred cultivar that has won numerous horticultural awards for its exceptional size, color intensity, and vigor. It was developed by Ernst Benary, a legendary seed company known for creating some of the finest zinnia varieties.
- 🌱 Zinnia flowers are named after Johann Gottfried Zinn, an 18th-century botanist and physician—the plant was originally called 'Zinnia' to honor his contributions to the study of plant reproduction.
- 🌱 Deadheading (removing spent flowers) can increase overall bloom production by up to 40% compared to allowing flowers to set seed, making this variety excellent for continuous summer-long color.
Gardening Terms
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