Queen Lime Blush

Family: Asteraceae Annual flowering plant

Queen Lime Blush blooms with a luminous, lime-forward glow that blushes into soft apricot-pink at the petal edges—like a sunrise caught in full flower.

The petals form dense, layered rosettes with a velvety look and a sturdy, upright habit that holds its shape beautifully in the garden. Grow it for abundant cut-flower color: perfect for bouquets and long-lasting displays, with blooms that stay vivid from first opening through peak summer.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 70 DaysHabit: Upright

Botanical illustration of Queen Lime Blush

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

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Mar 28th
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 25th
Harvest Begins	Jul 4th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	70
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)	7

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Ornamental zinnia variety marketed as a cut flower; while the payload says is_edible=true, there’s no reliable culinary use established for Zinnia petals here. I can’t responsibly invent flavor descriptors, pairings, or applications—treat it as non-food unless you can verify a trusted edible-petal source and safe preparation method.

Flavor Profile

Likely non-culinary ornamental flavor; floral esters only Not validated for edible-petal consumption

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s a common disease pest problem for Zinnia elegans (Queen Lime Blush), and how do I treat it?

Zinnia elegans is especially prone to powdery mildew, which shows up as a white, dusty coating on leaves and can start with lower leaves in humid weather. Water at the soil line (not overhead), improve airflow by spacing plants, and remove badly infected leaves early. If it keeps spreading, spray a labeled powdery mildew fungicide and repeat according to the label’s interval, targeting the undersides of leaves.

How often should I water Zinnia elegans during the main growing phase?

During active growth and flowering, keep the top 1 inch of soil evenly moist, but not soggy—water when it begins to dry out. Aim for about 1 inch of water per week total (more during heat waves), and always let excess water drain so roots don’t stay wet. Mulching lightly helps prevent moisture swings that can stress zinnias.

How can I tell when Queen Lime Blush (Zinnia elegans) is ready to harvest for cut flowers?

Harvest when flower heads are fully open and the petals show their mature color, typically about 70 days from sowing. For best vase life, pick in the morning when stems are turgid and the blooms are widest, before they start to look slightly flattened. Snip on a fresh, clean cut just above a leaf node to encourage branching and more blooms.