Bishy Barnabees Cottage Garden Ltd
Zinnia Green Envy
Zinnia Green Envy
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Zinnia 'Green Envy' Seeds
'Green Envy' is an heirloom Zinnia that has reached cult status among flower arrangers. It produces semi-double, dahlia-like blooms in a zingy, electric shade of chartreuse-lime green. As the flowers age, they soften to a subtle jade, but they always retain that fresh, citrusy vibe.
This is the ultimate "mixer." While it looks lovely on its own, its real power is how it makes other flowers look better. Plant it next to hot pinks, deep purples, or vibrant oranges, and it acts as a cool, sophisticated foil that makes the brighter colours pop. It creates a professional, "florist-designed" look in any vase.
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🌿 Understanding the Plant
Zinnia is a Half-Hardy Annual.
It originates from Mexico, so it loves heat but cannot survive frost. The most important rule with Zinnias is patience: Do not start them too early! If Zinnia seedlings sit in cold compost or are planted out before June, they will "sulk" and stop growing. Wait for the warmth.
Top Tip: The "Wiggle Test." When cutting Zinnias for the vase, wiggle the stem about 6 inches below the flower. If the head flops, it isn't ready. If the neck stays stiff, it's ready to harvest!
🌱 Growing Guide: How to Sow and Grow
Zinnias are fast growers that need warmth to thrive.
Germination:
Sow indoors in April or May. Insert the seeds vertically into moist compost. Keep warm (20-25°C). They sprout incredibly fast (often 3-5 days). You can direct sow outdoors in June, but they need a warm summer to catch up.
Where to Sow:
They demand full sun and a sheltered spot. They thrive in rich, fertile, free-draining soil. They hate cold, wet clay. If growing in pots, ensure excellent drainage.
Care While Growing:
Pinch: When the plants are 15-20cm tall, pinch out the top growing tip. This feels counter-intuitive, but it forces the plant to branch out, giving you a sturdy bush with multiple stems instead of one tall, wobbly one.
Watering: Always water at the base. Wet leaves on Zinnias can lead to mildew.
📋 Plant Specifications
| Latin Name | Zinnia elegans |
| Common Name | Zinnia 'Green Envy' |
| Hardiness | H2 (Half-Hardy - Needs Frost Protection) |
| Light Required | Full Sun ☀️ |
| Height | ↕️ 60cm - 75cm (Tall) |
| Spread | ↔️ 30cm |
| Spacing | 🌱 30cm apart |
| Great for | ✂️ Cut Flowers 💚 Unique Colour 🐝 Pollinators ☀️ Hot Borders |
| Seed Count | Approx. 100 seeds per packet |
🤝 Perfect Garden Companions
The lime green of 'Green Envy' looks incredible with dark, moody colours or hot pinks:
- ⚫ Scabious 'Black Knight': The sophisticated clash. The almost-black pincushion flowers of Scabious look stunning against the lime green of the Zinnia. A very chic, modern combination.
- 🌸 Cosmos 'Dazzler': The vibrant mix. The deep crimson-pink of 'Dazzler' is intensified by the green Zinnia. Plant them together for a high-energy summer border that screams "tropical."
📅 Sowing & Flowering Calendar
Sow indoors in spring. Plant out in June. Flowers July to October.
| Month | J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sow Indoors | 🟢 | 🟢 | 🟢 | |||||||||
| Sow Outdoors | 🟢 | 🟢 | ||||||||||
| Flowers | 🌸 | 🌸 | 🌸 | 🌸 |
🏆 Officially Recognised Excellence
Zinnias are a top-tier plant for pollinators. The flat, open flowers of 'Green Envy' are easily accessible, making them a favourite feeding station for butterflies in late summer.
