Days to Maturity: 49
'Isabellina' Zinnia is a tender annual offering early summer through fall interest, typically blooming until the first frost. A stunning variety, this zinnia continuously sets 4- to 5-inch buttercream yellow fully double flowers. Borne singly at the end of a branch, the flowers produce loads of nectar and attract butterflies, hummingbirds, bees, and other beneficial pollinators. The dramatic dahlialike blooms make brilliant, long-lasting cuts for bouquets, bright garnishes for salads, and lovely everlastings.
Tall and thick stemmed, 'Isabellina' Zinnia has a dense, upright, mounding habit of lanceolate leaves and a fast growth rate. A classic garden favorite, zinnia is shown to best effect grouped or massed in beds, borders, and patio pots.
Extremely easy to grow from seed, zinnias grow best in a sunny location with rich, organic, well-drained loam, or soil raked to a fine tilth. Although zinnias are low maintenance, pinching young plants promotes a more compact, bushier plant and deadheading spent flowers keeps them blooming. Zinnias are heat and drought tolerant and deer and aphid resistant.
Direct sow zinnia seed after the last frost date, once the soil has warmed and temperatures are consistently 68°F and above, or start seeds indoors, acclimatize sprouts for 10 to 15 days, and transplant seedlings carefully when they are very young, after all threat of frost has passed. Good air circulation is vital for best performance, so provide generous spacing. Succession planting every week or so for several weeks extends the flowering period.
If you plan to start your seeds indoors, be sure to check out our Bio Dome Seed Starter Kit. With the Bio Dome, you can control the temperature, light, and soil mix to ensure your seeds become strong for transplant.
