Photo: KENPEICC BY 3.0via Wikimedia Commonsresized / cropped
Narrowleaf Zinnia Plant Care
Zinnia angustifolia Kunth
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Zinnia angustifolia, the narrowleaf zinnia, is a herbaceous flowering plant species of zinnia native to northern and western Mexico and naturalized in parts of the Southwestern United States. Hybrids between Z. angustifolia and other species of Zinnia are popular garden plants.
Every 3–5 days
Full sun
60–90°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Narrowleaf Zinnia?
Water Narrowleaf Zinnia every 3–5 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun. It prefers temperatures of 60–90°F (16–32°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 4 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Narrowleaf Zinnia Native To?
What Is the Narrowleaf Zinnia?
Narrowleaf Zinnia (Zinnia angustifolia) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Zinnia genus. Narrowleaf Zinnia is native to northern and western Mexico and naturalized in parts of the Southwestern United States. Narrowleaf Zinnia is also known as Desert Zinnia, Crassina angustifolia.
Narrowleaf Zinnia displays an upright, bushy annual growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Narrowleaf Zinnia produces colorful, daisy-like flowers in various shades.
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Narrowleaf Zinnia?
Zinnia angustifolia requires watering every 3–5 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 3–5 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Narrowleaf Zinnia Need?
Narrowleaf Zinnia thrives in full sun.
Light Requirement
Full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Narrowleaf Zinnia Prefer?
Zinnia angustifolia grows best at temperatures of 60–90°F. Narrowleaf Zinnia prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–90°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Narrowleaf Zinnia?
Well-draining, fertile soil with good organic content. Good drainage is essential for Narrowleaf Zinnia to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Narrowleaf Zinnia?
Feed Narrowleaf Zinnia every 4 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 4 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Narrowleaf Zinnia?
Not applicable as it is an annual plant. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Narrowleaf Zinnia?
Narrowleaf Zinnia can be propagated through seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to desert zinnia plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Narrowleaf Zinnia Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Narrowleaf Zinnia, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Narrowleaf Zinnia?
Narrowleaf Zinnia is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, powdery mildew. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Narrowleaf Zinnia Need?
Narrowleaf Zinnia grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Narrowleaf Zinnia is native to northern and western Mexico and naturalized in parts of the Southwestern United States. In cooler regions, grow Narrowleaf Zinnia as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Narrowleaf Zinnia is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Zinnia genus — compare its care with other Zinnia species on PlantoScan.
Zinnia is part of the Asteraceae plant family — browse all Asteraceae genera and species.
Narrowleaf Zinnia thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Zinnia Species
Other Zinnia species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Zinnia angustifolia Kunth, family Asteraceae (first published in Nov. Gen. Sp. 4(17): 197 (ed. fol.) (1818)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Narrowleaf Zinnia, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: KENPEI, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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