When to Plant Zinnias in New York
The cut-and-come-again champion. The more you cut zinnias, the more they bloom. A cottage garden essential.
The Short Answer
New York Frost Dates
Your planting dates depend on which part of New York you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:
| Region | Zones | Last Frost (Spring) | First Frost (Fall) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adirondacks | 3b, 4a, 4b | May 20 - Jun 5 | Sep 5 - Sep 20 |
| Capital Region/Hudson Valley | 5a, 5b, 6a | May 1 - May 15 | Sep 25 - Oct 10 |
| New York City/Long Island | 7a, 7b | Apr 5 - Apr 20 | Oct 20 - Nov 10 |
| Western New York | 5b, 6a | May 1 - May 15 | Sep 25 - Oct 10 |
Zinnias Planting Schedule for New York
Adirondacks (Zones 3b, 4a, 4b)
Average last frost: May 20 - Jun 5 · Average first frost: Sep 5 - Sep 20
Capital Region/Hudson Valley (Zones 5a, 5b, 6a)
Average last frost: May 1 - May 15 · Average first frost: Sep 25 - Oct 10
New York City/Long Island (Zones 7a, 7b)
Average last frost: Apr 5 - Apr 20 · Average first frost: Oct 20 - Nov 10
Western New York (Zones 5b, 6a)
Average last frost: May 1 - May 15 · Average first frost: Sep 25 - Oct 10
Growing Zinnias in New York
Zinnias in New York's Climate
Your warm, humid summers grow zinnias prolifically. Direct sow from mid-May. Powdery mildew is the main issue in humid conditions — water at the base, never overhead, and choose mildew-resistant varieties. Cut or deadhead regularly for continuous bloom through frost.
Soil Considerations for New York
Diverse soils. Rich agricultural land in western NY and Hudson Valley. Rocky in Adirondacks. Clay in some areas. Make sure soil has warmed to at least 60°F before planting zinnias outside.
New York Climate & Growing Season
Wide climate variation. NYC has mild winters. Adirondacks have very short seasons. Lake effect modifies weather near Great Lakes. Zinnias cannot tolerate any frost, so wait until all frost danger has passed before transplanting outside. Watch local forecasts carefully in spring.
Growing season length varies across New York: Adirondacks (3b, 4a, 4b) has a last frost around May 20 - Jun 5, while Western New York (5b, 6a) sees frost end around May 1 - May 15. This difference matters for zinnias — transplant timing shifts by several weeks across the state.
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:
The Bottom Line
Last reviewed: March 29, 2026