Grow Beautiful Cut Flowers with Zinnia elegans ‘Queen Red Lime’
Zinnia elegans ‘Queen Red Lime’ is a captivating annual that brings a unique blend of colours to your garden. Its double blooms feature deep maroon centres surrounded by petals that transition from pale red to lime green, creating a striking visual effect. Growing up to 75 cm (30 inches) tall, this zinnia is ideal for mixed borders, cutting gardens, and large containers. Its sturdy stems and long-lasting flowers make it a favourite among gardeners and florists alike.
Growing Conditions
This zinnia thrives in full sun and prefers well-drained, fertile soil. It is a half-hardy annual, sensitive to frost, so it’s best to plant it outdoors after the last frost has passed. In the UK, this typically means planting in late May or early June.
Planting Guide
- Sowing Indoors: Start seeds indoors 4–6 weeks before the last expected frost. Sow seeds 0.5 cm (¼ inch) deep in seed trays filled with moist compost. Maintain a temperature of 21–24°C (70–75°F). Germination usually occurs within 7–14 days.
- Transplanting: Once seedlings have two sets of true leaves, transplant them into individual pots. Harden off the plants by gradually acclimating them to outdoor conditions over 7–10 days before planting out.
- Planting Out: After the risk of frost has passed, plant zinnias in borders or containers, spacing them approximately 30 cm (12 inches) apart to allow for adequate growth.
Care & Maintenance
- Watering: Water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of fungal diseases.
- Feeding: Apply a balanced, water-soluble fertiliser every two weeks to promote vigorous growth and abundant flowering.
- Deadheading: Regularly remove spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming and maintain a tidy appearance.
Flowering & Cut Flower Tips
‘Queen Red Lime’ blooms from mid-summer until the first frost, providing a long season of interest. The sturdy stems and unique flower colours make it an excellent choice for cut flower arrangements. Harvest flowers in the morning when they are fully open for the best vase life.
Garden Impact
This zinnia variety attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies, enhancing the biodiversity of your garden. Its distinctive blooms add a touch of exotic beauty to borders and containers, and it pairs well with other summer flowers like dahlias and sunflowers for vibrant displays.
Additional Notes
At the end of the season, remove spent plants and compost them. Zinnias are generally easy to grow and relatively pest-free, making them suitable for gardeners of all experience levels.
