Zahara Starlight Rose

Zinnia

70d to harvest

Velvety petals unfurl in a starry rose pattern—each bloom a luminous blend of blush-pink and warm rose-red that seems to glow against sturdy, upright stems. Zahara Starlight Rose delivers a tidy, garden-ready abundance with a satiny, slightly domed texture and a long-lasting cut-flower presence. Grow it for nonstop color in borders and bouquets, and enjoy its pollinator-friendly charm as the blooms invite beneficial insects throughout the season.

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Apr 10th
Last Frost	May 8th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	May 1st
Harvest Begins	Jul 10th
Harvest Ends	Sep 30th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	70
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Upright
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Surface
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	60
Min Night Temp (°F)	50
Harden Off (days)	7

Recommended Companions

Lemon Gem Marigold

Rhapsody In Blue Salvia

Red Gem Marigold

Rose Rhapsody Salvia

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease is most common on Zinnia elegans (Zahara Starlight Rose), and how do I treat it?

Zinnia elegans is often hit by powdery mildew and leaf spot, especially in humid weather or when foliage stays wet. At the first white powdery patches, remove the worst affected leaves and improve airflow, then spray with a labeled fungicide for powdery mildew and leaf spot (follow label rates). Avoid overhead watering and water at the base so the canopy dries quickly.

How can I tell when Zahara Starlight Rose zinnias are ready to harvest?

Harvest when the flower heads are fully colored and open, with petals that look crisp (not shriveled or browning). For the longest vase life, cut blooms early in the morning just as they are at their best, and snip stems cleanly with sharp pruners. Expect peak harvest as plants reach about 70 days from sowing/establishment and continue producing with regular deadheading.