State Fair

Family: Asteraceae Annual flowering plant

A riot of color that feels like summer sunlight—State Fair zinnias bloom in bold, fully double heads with velvety petals that hold their shape as the garden warms.

Expect sturdy stems and a lush, upright habit that make these flowers a standout for long-lasting cut arrangements, with rich color that deepens beautifully as petals mature. Grow State Fair for a dependable 60-day show of pollinator-friendly blooms that bring instant cheer to beds and borders.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 60 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 24th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	60
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Upright
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	75
Min Soil Temp (°F)	60
Min Night Temp (°F)	50
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

This “State Fair” zinnia is grown as a cut flower, and while the tag says edible, most culinary use is unreliable and can go bitter as petals mature—so treat it as a rare, small garnish only when you’re confident in the edible grade. For any serious flavor work, stick to herbs and salad flowers that are consistently palatable.

Best Uses

Use sparingly as an edible-garnish only if you specifically have edible-grade petals (to avoid bitterness)
Petal confetti on finished plates for color—no long cooking

Flavor Profile

Ornamentally bred zinnia; limited, inconsistent edible quality Texture is primarily floral—petals are soft and can turn bitter if mature

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease is most common on Zinnia elegans, and what should I do if I see it?

Powdery mildew is a frequent issue on Zinnia elegans, showing up as a white, dusty coating on leaves (often in humid weather). Improve airflow by spacing plants and removing heavily infected leaves, then spray with a labeled fungicide made for powdery mildew if it keeps spreading. Avoid overhead watering so foliage dries quickly.

How often should I water Zinnia elegans during the main growing phase (after seedlings establish)?

Water deeply when the top 1 inch of soil feels dry, which is often about 2–3 times per week in warm weather but less during cooler or rainy periods. Keep the root zone evenly moist—zinnias don’t like soggy soil, but long dry spells can reduce bloom size. Use a soaker hose or drip so the leaves stay dry.

How can I tell when Zinnia elegans is ready to harvest for cut flowers?

Harvest when the outer ray florets are fully spread and the flower head is mature but not past peak—center florets should be developed and not dried-looking. Cut stems in the morning and choose blooms that are just opening or fully open; buds that are still tight won’t last as well once cut. Plan to harvest often to encourage continuous new blooms through the 60-day season.