How to Grow Zinnia State Fair
Zinnia State Fair
Zinnia elegans 'State Fair'
flowerZinnia State Fair is a vibrant annual flower cultivar known for its large, showy double blooms that resemble dahlias, reaching 3-4 inches across. It grows as a compact, bushy plant standing 24-36 inches tall and is prized for its bright colors, long vase life, and extended blooming season from summer until frost. This variety is a popular choice for cutting gardens, borders, and mass plantings due to its reliability and prolific flower production.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives as an annual in zones 2-11; best performance in zones 5-9
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Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny plants with first true leaves appearing 7-10 days after germination. Seedlings develop rapidly under warm conditions with 2-4 leaves visible.
Keep soil warm (70-75°F) and consistently moist. Provide bright light to prevent leggy growth. Thin seedlings to prevent overcrowding.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksYoung plants develop multiple stems and leaves, becoming bushier. Plant height reaches 6-12 inches with well-established leaf nodes.
Pinch back growing tips when plants reach 6 inches tall to encourage branching and fuller plants. Maintain consistent moisture and adequate light. Gradually harden off transplants before planting outdoors.
Budding
2-3 weeksFlower buds begin forming at branch tips. Plant is fully developed in garden, typically 18-24 inches tall with dense foliage.
Ensure consistent watering and full sun exposure. Begin weekly feeding with balanced or flower-promoting fertilizer. Remove any dead foliage to improve air circulation.
Flowering
6-10 weeks (extends until frost)Large double flowers open progressively along stems, displaying bright colors. Multiple blooms appear simultaneously on mature plants with new buds continuously forming.
Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming. Water at soil level to keep foliage dry and prevent disease. Continue fertilizing every 2 weeks. Cut flowers for arrangements to stimulate more blooms.
Decline & Seed Set
4-6 weeks until frostAs temperatures drop in fall, flowering slows. If allowed to mature, seed pods develop from spent flowers. Plant productivity decreases with first frost.
Allow some flowers to mature for seed collection if desired. Deadhead remaining flowers to extend bloom time. Clean up fallen foliage to reduce pest overwintering sites. Plant will die with first hard freeze.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with water to dislodge; use miticide or neem oil if severe. Increase humidity and avoid dusty conditions. Provide adequate spacing for air circulation.
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Remove affected leaves; apply sulfur dust or fungicide spray. Ensure good air circulation. Water at soil level only. Avoid overhead watering.
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Use yellow sticky traps to monitor and capture adults. Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil on undersides of leaves. Remove heavily infested leaves.
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Hand-pick in early morning when beetles are sluggish. Use beetle traps placed away from plants. Apply neem oil or insecticide if infestation is severe.
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Ensure excellent drainage and air circulation. Avoid overwatering and overhead irrigation. Remove affected plants. Sterilize tools between plants.
Uses
Edible flower decoration
CulinaryZinnia petals are edible with a slightly spicy, peppery flavor. They add colorful garnish to salads, cakes, and cocktails, enhancing presentation and providing a mild flavor note. [source]
Cut flower arrangements
HouseholdState Fair zinnias are premium cutting flowers with exceptional vase life and large, showy blooms. They are ideal for floral arrangements, wedding bouquets, and decorative displays. [source]
Dried flower crafts
CraftThe sturdy stems and long-lasting blooms make State Fair zinnias excellent for drying. Dried flowers are used in crafts, wreaths, potpourri, and permanent floral arrangements. [source]
Pollinator support
WildlifeZinnias attract butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds with their abundant pollen and nectar. They provide essential forage for pollinators throughout the growing season. [source]
Traditional herbal use
MedicinalZinnia flowers have been used in traditional medicine for their potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. They are brewed as tea or made into infusions. [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 maximum vase life (7-14 days). Use sharp, clean scissors and cut just above a leaf node to encourage branching. Remove lower leaves below the waterline. Change water every 2-3 days and recut stems. Pinch or deadhead faded blooms to stimulate continuous flowering throughout the season.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The Zinnia State Fair cultivar won the 1942 All-America Selections award, making it an award-winning variety with proven garden performance and reliability.
- 🌱 Zinnias are native to Mexico and have been cultivated for centuries; they were brought to Europe in the 18th century where they gained significant popularity and underwent extensive breeding.
- 🌱 State Fair zinnias can produce hundreds of flowers over a single season; a single plant can provide cuttings for vases throughout summer and fall, making it remarkably productive for a cutting garden.
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