Growing Zinnias in Zone 8A

Zinnias are the cut-and-come-again champions — the more you cut, the more they bloom.

Zone 8A enjoys a long growing season. You can often get two plantings of cool-season crops (spring and fall).

Top Growing Tips

• Direct sow after frost — they’re fast growers
• Space properly for air circulation to prevent powdery mildew
• Cut for bouquets regularly — it encourages more flowers
• Benary’s Giant, Oklahoma, and Queen Lime are popular cut flower varieties
• Butterflies love zinnias — plant near vegetable gardens to attract pollinators

Companion Planting

Good companions: any vegetable garden — great pollinator attractors

Avoid planting near: none — zinnias play well with everything

Harvest Timeline

Flowering begins 60-70 days from seed; cut when petals are firm

About Zone 8A

USDA Hardiness Zone 8A has an average last spring frost around Mar 20 and first fall frost around Nov 10. All planting dates above are calculated from these frost dates. Your specific location may vary — check with your local extension office for the most accurate dates.