Violet Queen Zinnia is a beautiful choice for use as a cut flower, just as many Zinnia flowers are. The bright and colorful blooms will open to 4 or 6 inches in diameter atop attractive green foliage. The butterflies and bumblebees adore these flowers, and they grow great with many other annual flowers as well, such as nasturtiums, cosmos, four o’ clocks and more.
Violet Queen Zinnia will grow to a mature height of about 30 to 40 inches tall, so it is better used as a border plant, along fences, driveways, walkways and more. It can also be used as a backdrop plant in a wildflower patch, or directly in your favorite flower bed as well. As an annual flowering plant, Violet Queen Zinnias will establish quickly from freshly harvested seeds. Once the plants bloom through the Summer season, they will produce seeds, which can later be plucked when the flower heads dry out. Plants will die with the first frost.
Deadheading and pruning your Zinnias is a great way to prolong blooms throughout the season.
Quick Facts
- Season: Annual
- Color: Violet
- Height: 30 to 40 Inches
- Width: 24 Inches
- Zones: 3 to 10
- Notes: Attracts butterflies and other beneficial insects. Used as a cut flower. Easy to prune and maintain.
Sowing The Seed
Zinnias are not particularly fond of being transplanted. However, if you are looking to start them indoors, it is recommended to sow them in peat pots, so that the entire pot can be transplanted later on to prevent root shock. If started outdoors, be sure to turn the soil, or throw down new soil in its place. Sow the seeds when the weather is warm and all danger of frost has passed, at a shallow depth of 1/4″ under topsoil.
Growing Conditions
Zinnias will prefer an area of full sunlight with temperatures that exceed 60F. Although they are adaptable, it is best to use a soil that is humus rich, and fertile. Drainage is crucial, so replacing any hard, compact soil with a fresh mixture of compost is recommended. Water daily so that the soil remains moist until germination occurs.
Germination & Growth
Your Zinnias will begin to emerge in roughly 7 to 10 days after sowing. The plants will reach a mature height of about 30 to 40 inches tall and can be spaced roughly 12 inches apart from one another. The Violet Queen Zinnia will produce stunning, double petaled blooms that open up to 4 – 6 inches wide. This variety makes an excellent cut flower and is often seen in bouquets and floral arrangements.