Zinnia

Basic Information

Seed Number

134

Seed Name

Zinnia

Variety

Queen Lime

Category

Flower

Plant Family

Asteraceae

Plant Type

Double-flowered zinnia (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

Not recorded

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 moisture; water at the base and avoid prolonged wet foliage

Soil Preference

Rich, well-drained soil with good air circulation

Minimum Container Size

3 gal

Plant Height

Up to 25 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: Plant after frost once weather is warm. Succession sowing through mid-July can maintain cut-flower production until autumn frost.
Germination: Start indoors approximately 4 weeks before planting out or direct sow 1/4 inch deep after frost. Warm soil produces rapid germination.
Harvest: Cut flowers when they are fully open and the stem is firm. Frequent cutting or deadheading encourages continued flowering.
Seed Saving: Allow selected flower heads to dry fully on the plant. Queen Lime can cross with other Zinnia elegans varieties, so isolation is required for true seed.
Special Care: Queen Lime produces unusual green to lime-colored flowers and grows to approximately 25 inches. Maintain generous airflow to reduce powdery mildew.
Research Source: Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds — https://www.rareseeds.com/zinnia-queen-lime — Queen Lime cultivar identity, full-sun preference, rich soil, moderate moisture, approximately 25-inch height and cut-flower use
Research Source: Johnny's Selected Seeds — https://www.johnnyseeds.com/growers-library/flowers/zinnia/zinnia-key-growing-information.html — zinnia germination temperature and duration, 4-week indoor start, 1/4-inch direct-sow depth and transplant guidance
[[RESEARCH ENRICHMENT END]]