Zinnia in Zone 2a & 2b
Zinnia elegans
When to plant zinnia in zone 2b
Zones 2a and 2b share the same average frost dates in our data, so this page covers both.
Method: Either: Start indoors for an earlier harvest, or direct-sow outside for less fuss. Zinnia tolerates either.
| Start indoors | Apr 22–Apr 29 |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | May 27–Jun 3 |
| Estimated bloom | Jul 31–Aug 7 (~65 days after planting) |
Spacing: 1 per square foot (square-foot-gardening spacing). Mature height: 1-4 ft.
Zinnias are about as forgiving as annual flowers get: direct-sow them after frost, give them sun, and they bloom fast and heavily with almost no fuss, throwing up daisy or dahlia-form flowers in almost every color except true blue on plants anywhere from 1 to 4 feet tall. They've also earned their spot in a vegetable garden on merit. They're one of the better-documented pollinator draws for nearby crops, beyond their good looks as a border filler.
How zinnia fits zone 2's season
Zone 2b's frost-free window runs about 104 days, from May 20 to September 1. Zinnia needs about 65 days from sowing to first harvest.
Good companions
- Tomato: Attracts pollinators and hoverflies that improve fruit set and help control aphids. (usually zones 3-11, so not a pairing for zone 2b)
- Cucumber: Attracts pollinators that improve fruit set. (usually zones 3-11, so not a pairing for zone 2b)
Where to buy zinnia seeds
See why we recommend these suppliers →
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See it growing
Search YouTube for "growing zinnia" videos → (a live search, not a hand-picked video; results vary and aren't vetted by us)
← Back to the full zone 2b calendar · Full companion planting guide · Full plant profile · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →
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Growing Zinnia in USDA zone 2b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a bloom.
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