The Award-Winning Zinnia Variety That's Perfect For Low-Maintenance Gardens

There is no denying that zinnias are garden favorites. They grow fast, flower generously, and are usually quite easy to grow in most landscapes. Plus, breeders are always tinkering with their genetics to push the boundaries and introduce new varieties with improved features and better performance. Take, for instance, the Zinnia Profusion Double White Improved (Zinnia hybrida). It is a compact yet high-impact variety of zinnia known for its more vigorous blooming, longer flower life, higher petal count, and wider blooms in comparison to the regular profusion double white zinnia. This plant grows about 14 inches in height and spreads nearly 20 inches wide, producing big, double white blooms about 3 inches across from spring until first frost. Even better? It delivers all of this while also maintaining a uniform growth habit without the use of plant growth regulators.

It is no wonder this variety has won gold medals from both Fleuroselect and All-America Selections (AAS) – two world-renowned horticultural trial organizations. The true appeal of the Zinnia Profusion Double White Improved, however, lies in its low-maintenance nature. It thrives under a range of weather conditions and has excellent drought and heat tolerance as well. It does not even need to be deadheaded like some other zinnia varieties to stay productive. On top of that, it is versatile. You can grow it reliably, not just in home gardens but in massed commercial landscapes as well. It performs well and grows reliably both in flower beds and containers in USDA Hardiness Zones 2 to 11. Just don't plant it with impatiens. It is a classic garden flower you should avoid planting near zinnias at all costs.

You can start Zinnia Profusion Double White Improved indoors by sowing seeds in a well-drained soil at temperatures of at least 77 degrees Fahrenheit. Then let the seeds germinate and keep the soil moist. About three weeks after germination, the seedlings will be ready to move, and you can go ahead and shift them into individual pots that are around 4-inches wide. Then, once the danger of frost has passed, move your plants outdoors and plant them with a spacing of about 10 inches. If, however, you don't have a free garden bed, you can always grow them in containers or baskets instead.

But no matter where you grow your Zinnia Profusion Double White Improved plants, you need to make sure they are getting partial to full sun. Never plant zinnias in shade. It is one of those mistakes you need to always avoid when growing zinnias in the garden. Growing zinnias in shade often leads to limp growth and slow blooming. As for watering, keep things balanced. Zinnia Profusion Double White Improved has moderate watering needs. Just try to keep the soil consistently moist. You can also automate your plant watering by installing an individual drip irrigation system. 

Keep in mind that these zinnias can be sensitive to boron deficiency in the soil. So, make sure to test the soil before planting and fertilize, if needed. On the plus side, Zinnia Profusion Double White Improved is generally disease-resistant, although pests such as aphids and thrips may appear from time to time.