Dwarf zinnia varieties

Dwarf zinnias are the varieties we record as compact, with an average height under 40 cm (about 16 inches) taken from the midpoint of the height range. The table below compares every variety we list side by side.

Varieties
10
Height
6–18 in (15–46 cm)
Hardiness
Grown as an annual in every zone
Form

4 Dahlia-flowered

3 Semi-double

2 Single

1 Double

Compare all 10 side by side

All 10 dwarf zinnia varieties

A Aztec Sunset zinnia flower up close on the plant Aztec Sunset Compact Mexican zinnia, 2 inch double bicolor blooms on 6-10 inch plants. Early summer, Midsummer, Late summer, Fall6–10 in (15–25 cm) Dahlia-flowered (estimated)
A Crystal zinnia flower up close on the plant Crystal Narrowleaf zinnia series with small single blooms in white, orange and yellow, 8 to 10 in tall. Early summer, Midsummer, Late summer, Fall8–10 in (20–25 cm)Single
A Dreamland zinnia flower up close on the plant Dreamland Dwarf F1 zinnia series, 3-4 inch blooms on 8-16 inch plants in seven colors. Early summer, Midsummer, Late summer, Fall8–16 in (20–41 cm) Dahlia-flowered (estimated)
A Magellan zinnia flower up close on the plant Magellan Dwarf F1 zinnia series with 5 to 6 inch double blooms on 12 to 18 inch plants. Early summer, Midsummer, Late summer, Fall12–18 in (30–46 cm) Dahlia-flowered (estimated)
A Old Mexico zinnia flower up close on the plant Old Mexico Heirloom Mexican zinnia, mahogany blooms tipped gold on 12-18 inch plants. Early summer, Midsummer, Late summer, Fall12–18 in (30–46 cm)Semi-double
A Persian Carpet zinnia flower up close on the plant Persian Carpet Compact Mexican zinnia with 2-inch bicolor flowers in gold, orange, red and burgundy. Early summer, Midsummer, Late summer, Fall12–18 in (30–46 cm)Semi-double
A Short Stuff zinnia flower up close on the plant Short Stuff Dwarf zinnia series with fully double 2.5 to 4 in blooms on 8 to 10 in plants. Early summer, Midsummer, Late summer, Fall8–10 in (20–25 cm) Dahlia-flowered (estimated)
A Star zinnia flower up close on the plant Star Orange Compact narrowleaf zinnia with orange star-shaped single blooms, about 14 in tall. Early summer, Midsummer, Late summer, Fall14 in (35–36 cm) Single (estimated)
A Swizzle zinnia flower up close on the plant Swizzle Dwarf bicolor zinnia series, 4-inch cherry-ivory or scarlet-yellow blooms, 10 to 12 in tall. Early summer, Midsummer, Late summer, Fall10–12 in (25–30 cm)Double
A Thumbelina zinnia flower up close on the plant Thumbelina Dwarf AAS-winning zinnia mix with 1-inch semi-double flowers on 6-inch plants. Early summer, Midsummer, Late summer, Fall 6–10 in (15–25 cm) (estimated) Semi-double

How to choose

  1. Check the Height column for pots and edging. Wisconsin Extension describes the shortest types, around 6 inches, as suited to containers, borders and edging.

  2. Check the botanical name on each record to compare Zinnia elegans with the Profusion hybrids, which Wisconsin Extension credits with heat tolerance, drought tolerance and disease resistance.

  3. Compare the Form column to choose between single, semi-double and double blooms.

Compare side by side

Color Sunlight
Aztec Sunset Dahlia-flowered (estimated) 6–10 in (15–25 cm) – Early summer, Midsummer, Late summer, Fall Full sun
Crystal Single 8–10 in (20–25 cm) – Early summer, Midsummer, Late summer, Fall Full sun
Dreamland Dahlia-flowered (estimated) 8–16 in (20–41 cm) – Early summer, Midsummer, Late summer, Fall Full sun
Magellan Dahlia-flowered (estimated) 12–18 in (30–46 cm) – Early summer, Midsummer, Late summer, Fall Full sun
Old Mexico Semi-double 12–18 in (30–46 cm) – Early summer, Midsummer, Late summer, Fall Full sun
Persian Carpet Semi-double 12–18 in (30–46 cm) – Early summer, Midsummer, Late summer, Fall Full sun
Short Stuff Dahlia-flowered (estimated) 8–10 in (20–25 cm) – Early summer, Midsummer, Late summer, Fall Full sun
Star Orange Single (estimated) 14 in (35–36 cm) – Early summer, Midsummer, Late summer, Fall (estimated) Full sun
Swizzle Double 10–12 in (25–30 cm) – Early summer, Midsummer, Late summer, Fall Full sun
Thumbelina Semi-double 6–10 in (15–25 cm) (estimated) – Early summer, Midsummer, Late summer, Fall Full sun

Values marked like this (estimated) are estimates.

Frequently asked questions

How far apart should dwarf zinnias be planted?

Wisconsin Extension says spacing that allows plenty of air circulation helps reduce powdery mildew on zinnias.

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