All-America Selections (AAS) Ornamental Winner 2025; Fleuroselect Approved Novelty Award 2025
The zinnia varieties in the Crestar Mix are annual plants that grow to a mature size of approximately 18 to 23 inches tall and 8 to 10 inches wide and bloom abundantly and continuously from early summer through fall, typically to first frost. This mix offers a variety of flower shapes with a very high percentage of fully double, crested, scabiosa-type zinnias, especially on first flush, which are almost all fully double. Fun and frilly, these pompom-topped flowers add an interesting texture to the garden or vase; and a single planting offers a nice blend of both bright and pastel colors, including orange, peach, pink, red, white, and yellow. Borne singly at the end of a branch, the large 3- to 4-inch flowers are a great nectar source for butterflies, hummingbirds, bees, and other beneficial pollinators. But they also make long-lasting cuts for seemingly endless summer bouquets, bright garnishes for salads, and nice dried everlastings.
Crestar Mix zinnias have a fast growth rate and a compact, upright habit of lanceolate leaves. Zinnias show to best effect when grouped or massed in beds, borders, and patio pots. They are a must-have in butterfly and cutting gardens.
Extremely easy to grow from seed, Crestar Mix zinnias grow best in full sun locations with rich, organic, freely draining loam or soil, raked to a fine tilth. Although they are low maintenance plants, pinching them when young promotes a bushier plant and deadheading faded flowers keeps them blooming. Zinnias thrive in heat, tolerate drought, and resist damage from deer.
Sow Crestar Mix zinnia seed directly into warm spring soil after the last frost date 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. For best flowering and performance, provide generous spacing, allowing for good air circulation. Succession plant every week or so to extend the flowering period.
If you want to start your Crestar Mix zinnia seeds indoors, the Bio Dome Seed Starter Kit will allow you to control the temperature, light, and soil mix to ensure your seeds become strong for transplant.
For more tips and in-depth guides, explore these blog posts on Zinnias: Learn step-by-step tips in How to Grow Zinnia Flowers from Seeds, discover the beauty of variety in Garden Diversity: Different Styles of Zinnia Flowers, and find perfect planting companions with What to Plant with Zinnias, and let your garden bloom with inspiration.
