Zinnia

Basic Information

Seed Number

195

Seed Name

Zinnia

Variety

Purple Prince

Category

Flower

Plant Family

Asteraceae

Plant Type

Large-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

4–6 days

Harvest/Maturity

60–70 days to bloom

Succession Planting

14 days

Growing Conditions

Ideal Soil Temperature

70-95°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; irrigate at soil level and avoid prolonged wet foliage

Soil Preference

Rich, well-drained soil with good airflow

Minimum Container Size

3 gal

Plant Height

30-40 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

Rare Seeds; Pinetree Garden Seeds; MSU Extension

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 3–4 weeks early
Outdoor / Direct Sow / Transplant Window: May 15 – Jul 20
Germination Time: About 5–10 days
Days to Harvest / Bloom: About 60–80 days to bloom
Container Friendly: Yes, 12–18+ in pot
Pollinator Friendly: Yes; bees and butterflies
Medicinal / Herbal Use: Ornamental/cut flower
Perennial?: No; annual
Succession / Reusable Notes: Sow every 2–3 weeks through mid-July; deadhead or cut often for continued bloom.
Zone 6B Notes: Easy warm-season annual; frost ends the plants.
Companion Plants: Basil, dill, cosmos, marigolds and vegetable beds needing pollinator traffic
Avoid Planting Near / Watch Outs: Avoid overcrowding and frequent overhead watering; watch powdery mildew and leaf spot.
Sources: Rare Seeds: https://www.rareseeds.com/zinnia-purple-prince | Pinetree Garden Seeds: https://www.superseeds.com/products/purple-prince-zinnia | MSU Extension: https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/garden_planning_calendar

[[RESEARCH ENRICHMENT START]]
Zone 6B: Direct sow after May 5 or start indoors about 4 weeks before planting out. Repeat sowings through mid-July for continuous flowers.
Germination: Warm soil produces rapid germination, commonly in 4-6 days.
Harvest: Harvest fully open rich-purple flowers when stems are firm. Frequent cutting encourages branching and additional blooms.
Seed Saving: Allow selected flower heads to brown and dry completely. Purple Prince can cross with other Zinnia elegans varieties.
Special Care: Purple Prince is a tall cut-flower zinnia with large deep-purple blooms. Maintain good airflow to reduce powdery mildew.
Research Source: Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds — https://www.rareseeds.com/zinnia-purple-prince — 60-70 day maturity, 30-40 inch height, 4-6 day germination, 1/4-inch depth, 9-12 inch spacing, 70-95°F temperature and full sun
Research Source: Burpee — https://www.burpee.com/zinnia-purple-prince-prod000440.html — 36-inch mature height and 12-14 inch spread
[[RESEARCH ENRICHMENT END]]