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Benary's Giant

Family: Asteraceae Annual flowering plant
Zone 6b Save Garden

Planting Schedule

Add Benary's Giant to your garden to build a schedule and get reminders.

A riot of color from a single bloom—Benary’s Giant zinnias open with bold, velvety petals that feel plush to the eye and glow in the garden like stained glass.

Expect sturdy, upright stems and large, fully double flowers that hold their form beautifully, making them ideal for standout cut-flower bouquets. With a long season of bloom and pollinator-friendly appeal, this is the zinnia to grow when you want maximum impact and nonstop floral drama from midsummer onward.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 75 DaysHabit: Upright

Botanical illustration of Benary's Giant

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

MilestoneDate
Start IndoorsMar 28th
Last FrostApr 25th
Transplant / Sow OutdoorsApr 25th
Harvest BeginsJul 9th
Harvest EndsOct 16th

Crop Details

TraitValue
Days to Maturity75
Sun RequirementsFull SunFull sun
Growth HabitUpright
Support NeededNone
Planting DepthNormal
Germination Temp (°F)75
Min Soil Temp (°F)60
Min Night Temp (°F)45
Harden Off (days)7

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s a common disease problem for Zinnia elegans (Benary’s Giant), and how can I treat it?
Zinnia elegans commonly suffers from powdery mildew, which shows up as a white, dusty coating on leaves during warm, humid periods. Improve airflow by spacing plants properly and watering at the soil line (not overhead), then remove heavily affected leaves. If it’s spreading, apply a labeled fungicide for powdery mildew on zinnias and repeat according to the label interval.
How often should I water Benary’s Giant zinnias during the main growing phase?
During active growth and flowering, keep the soil consistently lightly moist—about 1 inch of water per week total, adjusted for rainfall. Water deeply when the top 1 inch of soil feels dry, and avoid frequent light sprinkling that keeps foliage wet. In full sun, this usually means watering 1–2 times per week depending on heat and soil texture.
How do I know when Benary’s Giant zinnia flowers are ready to harvest?
Harvest when the flower heads are fully colored and the petals are flat and crisp, with the center fully developed but not breaking down. For best vase life, cut stems in the morning and pick blooms before they start to look ragged or watery. If you’re harvesting for continuous flowering, snip spent blooms promptly to encourage more buds.

Today's Conditions

Outdoor planting for Benary's Giant in Zone 6b typically begins around 2026-04-25. Wait until soil reaches at least 60°F before transplanting Benary's Giant.

Garden Alerts

In Zone 6b, the average last spring frost is around April 25. Watch soil temperature before transplanting Benary's Giant.

Today's Conditions

Outdoor planting for Benary's Giant in Zone 6b typically begins around 2026-04-25. Wait until soil reaches at least 60°F before transplanting Benary's Giant.

Garden Alerts

In Zone 6b, the average last spring frost is around April 25. Watch soil temperature before transplanting Benary's Giant.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 60°F and nights stay above 45°F before moving outdoors. Harden off for 7 days first.

Expert Note

For the strongest double blooms, start seeds early enough to reach flowering before the hottest part of summer and keep plants consistently watered until well established.