How to Grow Benary's Giant Scarlet
Zinnia elegans
Your complete guide to growing Benary's Giant Scarlet.
📷 Wikimedia CommonsWhen to Plant Benary's Giant Scarlet
Planting windows vary by USDA hardiness zone. Look up yours by ZIP code.
| Zone | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | May – June | July – September | — |
| Zone 2 | April – May | June – August | — |
| Zone 3 | April – May | June – August | — |
| Zone 4 | March – April | June – July | — |
| Zone 5 | March – April | May – July | — |
| Zone 6 | March – April | May – July | — |
| Zone 7 | February – March | April – June | — |
| Zone 8 | February – March | April – June | — |
| Zone 9 | January – February | March – May | — |
| Zone 10 | January | February – April | — |
| Zone 11 | January | January – March | — |
| Zone 12 | January | January – March | — |
| Zone 13 | January | January – March | — |
Companion Plants for Benary's Giant Scarlet
✓ Good companions
Deters aphids, spider mites, and thrips with its aromatic oils
Attract beneficial insects and pollinators while providing similar growing conditions
Repel aphids, whiteflies, and nematodes while attracting beneficial insects
Act as trap crops for aphids and cucumber beetles, protecting zinnias
Repel aphids, tomato hornworms, and other garden pests naturally
Repels harmful insects and attracts pollinators with complementary bloom times
Provide wind protection and attract pollinators without competing for nutrients
Attracts beneficial predatory insects like lacewings and hover flies
✗ Keep away from
Releases juglone toxin that inhibits growth and can kill zinnias
Compete for similar nutrients and water, may harbor fungal diseases
Creates excessive shade that reduces zinnia flowering and promotes fungal issues
