Cactus-flowered zinnia varieties

Cactus-flowered zinnias have quilled, curved petals set in several rows. They are annuals grown from seed, for the border and for cutting. The table below compares every series we list side by side.

Varieties
7
Height
2–4 ft (61–122 cm)
Hardiness
Grown as an annual in every zone
Form

7 Cactus-flowered

Compare all 7 side by side

All 7 cactus-flowered zinnia varieties

A Bright Jewels zinnia flower up close on the plant Bright Jewels Cactus-flowered zinnia mixture, 4 to 5 inch semi-double blooms with needle-like petals, 3 ft tall. Early summer, Midsummer, Late summer, Fall3 ft (91 cm)
A Giant Cactus Flowered zinnia flower up close on the plant Giant Cactus Flowered Mixed cactus-flowered zinnia with quilled petals, 2 to 4 ft tall, blooms 35 to 80 days from seed. Early summer, Midsummer, Late summer, Fall2–4 ft (61–122 cm)
Giant Cactus Pinca Cactus-flowered zinnia mix, 5-inch quilled blooms in pink, yellow, mauve and orange, 3 ft tall. Early summer, Midsummer, Late summer, Fall3 ft (91 cm)
A Inca zinnia flower up close on the plant Inca Orange cactus-type zinnia, 5-inch fully double blooms with spidery petals, 3 ft tall. Early summer, Midsummer, Late summer, Fall3 ft (91 cm)
A Orange Cactus zinnia flower up close on the plant Orange Cactus Tangerine cactus-flowered zinnia, 4 to 6 inch blooms, 2 to 4 ft tall, 75 to 90 days from seed. Early summer, Midsummer, Late summer, Fall2–4 ft (61–122 cm)
A Senora zinnia flower up close on the plant Senora Coral-pink cactus-type zinnia, 4 to 5 inch semi-double to double blooms, 36 to 40 inches tall. Early summer, Midsummer, Late summer, Fall3–3½ ft (91–102 cm)
A Senorita zinnia flower up close on the plant Senorita Coral-pink cactus-type zinnia with spiky, curled petals on 3 ft plants. Early summer, Midsummer, Late summer, Fall3 ft (91 cm)

How to choose

  1. Compare the Height column. Heights differ between series, so check it before placing them in a border.

  2. Look at the Color column. Mixes are recorded with every color the seller names; a single-color series shows just its own.

  3. Check the flower form note on each page. Sellers do not always agree on how double a series is.

Compare side by side

Color Sunlight
Bright Jewels Cactus-flowered 3 ft (91 cm) – Early summer, Midsummer, Late summer, Fall Full sun
Giant Cactus Flowered Cactus-flowered 2–4 ft (61–122 cm) – Early summer, Midsummer, Late summer, Fall Full sun, Part shade
Giant Cactus Pinca Cactus-flowered 3 ft (91 cm) – Early summer, Midsummer, Late summer, Fall Full sun
Inca Cactus-flowered 3 ft (91 cm) – Early summer, Midsummer, Late summer, Fall Full sun
Orange Cactus Cactus-flowered 2–4 ft (61–122 cm) – Early summer, Midsummer, Late summer, Fall Full sun
Senora Cactus-flowered 3–3½ ft (91–102 cm) – Early summer, Midsummer, Late summer, Fall Full sun
Senorita Cactus-flowered 3 ft (91 cm) – Early summer, Midsummer, Late summer, Fall Full sun

Values marked like this (estimated) are estimates.

Frequently asked questions

How do I sow cactus zinnias?

Ferry-Morse advises starting seed indoors for earlier flowers, sowing 1/4 to 1 inch deep and about 10 to 12 inches apart. Seed germinates in 5 to 10 days.

How do I keep them flowering?

Remove faded flowers. Ferry-Morse notes that deadheading prolongs bloom.