Annual Flower

When to Plant Zinnias in Florida

The cut-and-come-again champion. The more you cut zinnias, the more they bloom. A cottage garden essential.

The Short Answer

Zinnias grow in Florida but face more disease pressure than in drier states. The key is timing plantings for the drier months and choosing disease-resistant varieties.

Florida Frost Dates

Your planting dates depend on which part of Florida you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
North Florida 8a, 8b, 9a Feb 15 - Mar 10 Nov 15 - Dec 10
Central Florida 9a, 9b, 10a Jan 15 - Feb 10 Dec 10 - Jan 5
South Florida 10a, 10b, 11a Rare Rare

Zinnias Planting Schedule for Florida

North Florida (Zones 8a, 8b, 9a)

Average last frost: Feb 15 - Mar 10 · Average first frost: Nov 15 - Dec 10

Start Seeds Indoors
4 wks before frost
Transplant Outside
1 wks after frost
Direct Sow
1 wks after frost

Central Florida (Zones 9a, 9b, 10a)

Average last frost: Jan 15 - Feb 10 · Average first frost: Dec 10 - Jan 5

Start Seeds Indoors
4 wks before frost
Transplant Outside
1 wks after frost
Direct Sow
1 wks after frost

South Florida (Zones 10a, 10b, 11a)

Average last frost: Rare · Average first frost: Rare

Start Seeds Indoors
4 wks before frost
Transplant Outside
1 wks after frost
Direct Sow
1 wks after frost

Growing Zinnias in Florida

State-Specific Growing Tips

North Florida: sow March through May, September through October. Central/South Florida: sow October through April (avoiding peak summer humidity). Florida's humidity promotes foliar diseases — water at the base and space plants for air circulation.

Recommended Varieties for Florida

Profusion series (most disease-resistant — essential for Florida). Zahara series for mildew resistance. UF/IFAS recommends disease-resistant varieties only.

Common Challenges in Florida

Powdery mildew and bacterial leaf spot are aggressive in Florida's humidity. The Profusion series is bred to resist these diseases. Caterpillar damage to flowers.

Growing Tips

Water at the base to prevent powdery mildew. Cut flowers just above a leaf node to encourage more branching and blooms.

Companion Planting

Plant zinnias alongside these companions for better growth:

Tomatoes Peppers

The Bottom Line

Zinnias can be grown successfully in Florida with proper attention to regional frost dates and local growing conditions. Timing varies across the state — North Florida gardeners work with a last frost around Feb 15 - Mar 10, while South Florida sees frost end around Rare. Choose varieties suited to your region, amend your soil based on its specific needs, and monitor for the pests and diseases most common in your area. For exact dates based on your zip code, use our free planting date finder.

Related Guides

Zinnias Growing Guide National planting guide with all states Florida Planting Calendar All plants for Florida Zinnias in Alabama Alabama planting dates Zinnias in Alaska Alaska planting dates Zinnias in Arizona Arizona planting dates Zinnias in Arkansas Arkansas planting dates
Note: All dates are based on NOAA 30-year Climate Normals and represent historical averages, not predictions for any specific year. Always check your local weather forecast before planting frost-sensitive crops. Learn about our data sources.

Last reviewed: March 29, 2026

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