Profusion Cherry

Zinnia

60d to harvest

Profusion Cherry bursts into bloom with velvety, warm cherry-red petals that glow like polished velvet against deep green foliage. The flower heads are generously full and tightly layered, creating a lush, compact look that holds its form beautifully in the garden and as a cut flower. Expect a steady wave of blooms from early summer through fall—ideal for gardeners who want effortless color with dependable, drought-tolerant performance.

Crop Dates

Growing note: In frost-free Zone 11b, grow this cool-season crop during the cooler dry season (October–February).

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	—
Climate	Frost-Free Climate
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Oct 1st
Harvest Begins	Nov 30th
Harvest Ends	Feb 28th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	60
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Upright
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	60
Min Night Temp (°F)	50
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my Zinnia elegans (Profusion Cherry) leaves turning yellow or developing powdery patches, and what should I do?

Zinnia elegans commonly gets powdery mildew and leaf-spot diseases, shown as white powder on leaves or dark spots followed by yellowing. Improve airflow by spacing plants and watering the soil (not the foliage), then remove and discard badly infected leaves. If the problem keeps spreading, treat early with a labeled fungicide for powdery mildew/leaf spot and repeat as directed on the label.

How often should I water Profusion Cherry zinnias during peak growth, and what soil moisture level should I aim for?

During the main growing phase, keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy—water when the top 1 inch of soil feels dry. Aim for deep watering that wets the root zone, then let the soil partially dry before the next watering to prevent disease like powdery mildew. In hot weather, this often becomes about 1–2 times per week depending on your soil and container size.

How can I tell when Profusion Cherry zinnias are ready to harvest for the best blooms?

Harvest when the flower heads are fully colored and the ray petals are open and crisp, typically about 60 days from sowing. For longest vase life, cut early in the morning and choose blooms where the center is mature but not browned or collapsing. Deadhead or cut spent flowers right away to keep Profusion Cherry producing more blossoms.