Oklahoma Mix

Family: Asteraceae Annual flowering plant

A riot of color at midseason—Oklahoma Mix zinnias bloom with velvety, tightly layered petals that catch the light like satin.

Expect a lively blend of warm reds, sunny yellows, rosy pinks, and creamy whites, each flower forming a full, cushiony head that holds its shape beautifully on the stem. Ideal for fresh bouquets and long-lasting arrangements, this mix brings instant, garden-bright drama to borders and sunny beds from the first flush through the season’s peak.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 50 DaysHabit: Upright

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

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 25th
Harvest Begins	Jun 14th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	50
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Upright
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	75
Min Soil Temp (°F)	70
Min Night Temp (°F)	55
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Ornamental cut flower mix (Zinnia elegans); despite is_edible=true in the payload, zinnia is not a standard culinary ingredient—do not build flavors or pairings around it without a specific, confirmed edible-safe use. Treat any tasting as strictly experimental and minimal (petals only), and never ingest leaves or stems.

Flavor Profile

This is typically not consumed; if used at all, petals are mild and floral with a faint, warm herbal note Velvety, satin-like petals can add visual crunch when fresh

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease commonly affects Zinnia elegans (Oklahoma Mix), and how can I stop it?

Zinnia elegans is often hit by powdery mildew, which shows up as a gray-white dust on leaves, especially in humid weather. Keep plants spaced for airflow, water at the base (not on the foliage), and remove badly infected leaves early to slow spread. If mildew keeps returning, switch to a labeled fungicide for powdery mildew and spray per the label at the first sign of spotting.

How often should I water Zinnia elegans during peak growth, and what soil moisture level should I aim for?

During the main growth phase, water deeply when the top 1 inch of soil feels dry, which is typically every 2–4 days in summer heat. Zinnia elegans prefers consistently moist soil but not soggy conditions—standing moisture around the roots increases mildew and rot. Aim for slow soaking at the base until water penetrates below the root zone, then let the surface dry slightly before the next watering.

How do I tell when Zinnia elegans (Oklahoma Mix) is ready to harvest for flowers?

Harvest when the flower heads are fully colored and the ray petals are spread out, with the center disk florets opened but not yet collapsing. With Zinnia elegans, you’ll typically start seeing harvest-ready blooms around 50 days from sowing. Pick early in the morning and deadhead regularly to keep new blooms coming.