Photo: ErmellCC BY-SA 4.0via Wikimedia Commonsresized / cropped
Zinnia Plant Care
Zinnia elegans L.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Zinnia elegans (syn. Zinnia violacea) known as youth-and-age, common zinnia or elegant zinnia, is an annual flowering plant in the family Asteraceae. It is native to Mexico but grown as an ornamental in many places and naturalised in several places, including scattered locations in South and Central America, the West Indies, the United States, Australia, and Italy.
Every 3–5 days
Full sun
60–90°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Zinnia?
Water 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. The ASPCA lists it as non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Where Is the Zinnia Native To?
What Is the Zinnia?
Zinnia (Zinnia elegans) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Zinnia genus. Zinnia is native to Mexico. Zinnia is also known as Common Zinnia, Garden Zinnia, Youth-and-Old-Age.
Zinnia displays an upright, bushy annual growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Zinnia produces colorful, daisy-like flowers in various shades.
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Zinnia?
Zinnia elegans 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 Zinnia Need?
Zinnia thrives in full sun.
Light Requirement
Full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Zinnia Prefer?
Zinnia elegans grows best at temperatures of 60–90°F. Zinnia prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–90°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Zinnia?
Well-draining, fertile soil with good organic content. Good drainage is essential for Zinnia to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Zinnia?
Feed 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 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 Zinnia?
Zinnia can be propagated through seeds.
Is the Zinnia Toxic to Pets and Children?
Non-toxic to cats and dogs
Source: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center plant list, which covers Zinnia species (which includes Zinnia). View the ASPCA entry
Non-toxic to humans and pets
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 Zinnia?
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 Zinnia Need?
Zinnia grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9a – 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9a. Zinnia is native to Mexico. In cooler regions, grow Zinnia as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 9a – 13b
Keep exploring plants
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.
Zinnia thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Zinnia elegans L., family Asteraceae — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record, Wikidata.
- Pet toxicity: The ASPCA lists Zinnia species (which includes Zinnia) as non-toxic to cats and dogs. Source: ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List.
- Photo: Ermell, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 9a – 13b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- 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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