Zinnia

Basic Information

Seed Number

133

Seed Name

Zinnia

Variety

Lilliput Mix

Category

Flower

Plant Family

Asteraceae

Plant Type

Pompon zinnia mix (Zinnia elegans)

Planting Method

Direct Sow or Transplant

Seed Status

In Seed Bank

Created

2026-08-14 00:50:34

Updated

2026-08-19 15:35:29

Planting Information

Start Planting Date

Apr 7

Last Recommended Planting Date

Jul 15

Plantable Months

April, May, June, July

Indoor Start

Apr 7 – Apr 14

Direct Sow

May 6 – Jul 15

Transplant

May 12 – Jun 15

Indoor Start Weeks Before Frost

4 weeks

Transplant Weeks After Frost

1 weeks

Germination Days

3–7 days

Harvest/Maturity

60–70 days to bloom

Succession Planting

14 days

Growing Conditions

Ideal Soil Temperature

70-85°F

Planting Depth

1/4 in

Plant Spacing

9-12 in

Row Spacing

18-24 in

Thin-To Spacing

9-12 in

Sun Requirements

Full sun

Water Needs

Moderate water; water at soil level and allow foliage to dry quickly to reduce disease

Soil Preference

Fertile, well-drained soil with good air circulation

Minimum Container Size

2-3 gal

Plant Height

18-24 in

Perennial/Biennial Status

Annual

Container Friendly

Yes

Trellis/Support Needed

No

Frost Tolerant

No

Heat Tolerant

Yes

Drought Tolerant

Yes

Pollinator Friendly

Yes

Medicinal

No

Garden Uses

Companion Planting

Storage

Seed Source/Brand

MSU Extension; Detroit frost dates; Almanac Detroit

Packet Year

Not recorded

Quantity Notes

Not recorded

Purchase Date

Not recorded

Expiration Year

Not recorded

Storage Box

Not recorded

Container

Not recorded

Envelope

Not recorded

Row

Not recorded

Slot

Not recorded

Storage Notes

Not recorded

Notes

Original Planting Method: Direct sow after frost or start indoors
Outdoor / Direct Sow / Transplant Window: May 15 – Jul 15
Days to Harvest / Bloom: 60–75 days to bloom
Succession / Reusable Notes: Cut-and-come-again flower; succession sow.
Zone 6B Notes: Avoid wet foliage to reduce mildew.
Companion Plants: Tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, beans, basil, calendula, marigolds, sunflowers
Avoid Planting Near / Watch Outs: Overhead watering/crowding
Sources: MSU Extension: https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/garden_planning_calendar | Detroit frost dates: https://www.ufseeds.com/vegetable-planting-calendar-detroit-michigan.html | Almanac Detroit: https://www.almanac.com/gardening/planting-calendar/MI/Detroit

[[RESEARCH ENRICHMENT START]]
Zone 6B: Direct sow after the May 5 frost date or start indoors about 4 weeks earlier. Sow additional plantings every 2-3 weeks through mid-July for a long cut-flower season.
Germination: Zinnias germinate rapidly in warm soil. Avoid root binding and minimize root disturbance during transplanting.
Harvest: Cut stems once flowers are fully open and stems are stiff when shaken. Frequent cutting encourages more branching and flowers.
Seed Saving: Allow selected flower heads to become fully brown and dry. Lilliput Mix contains multiple colors and will cross with nearby Zinnia elegans, so future color proportions may vary.
Special Care: Pinching young plants can produce bushier growth and additional flowering stems. Provide good airflow to reduce powdery mildew.
Research Source: Urban Farmer — https://www.ufseeds.com/product/lilliput-mix-zinnia-seeds/ZILP.html — Lilliput Mix identity, 60-70 day bloom maturity, cut-flower use and pinching
Research Source: Johnny's Selected Seeds — https://www.johnnyseeds.com/growers-library/flowers/zinnia/zinnia-key-growing-information.html — 3-7 day germination depending on temperature, 4-week indoor start, 1/4-inch direct-sow depth and transplant handling
Research Source: Eden Brothers — https://www.edenbrothers.com/products/zinnia_lilliput_seeds — Lilliput Mix heat tolerance, drought tolerance, pollinator attraction and cut-flower use
[[RESEARCH ENRICHMENT END]]