Zinnia 'Green Envy' Seeds

Zinnia 'Green Envy' is a unique, Dahlia-flowered variety that produces unusual, semi-double blooms in a zingy shade of chartreuse-lime green. As the flowers age, they soften to a greenish-cream, adding depth and variety to the plant.

While bright red or orange flowers shout for attention, 'Green Envy' is the ultimate peacemaker. Its zesty green tone acts as a "neutral" in the border, cooling down hot colours and making purples and pinks pop with incredible intensity. It is absolutely essential for anyone who loves arranging flowers at home.

Why Your Garden Needs 'Green Envy'

We love this plant because it looks sophisticated. It moves away from the "riot of colour" look and brings a modern, fresh feel to planting schemes. It is sturdy, heat-tolerant, and stands up well to summer storms.

It is also a heavy cropper. The more you cut, the more it grows. The hollow stems are stiff and straight, holding the heavy flower heads upright in a vase for over a week. Just a few stems of this mixed with white Cosmos looks like a professional wedding bouquet.

Understanding the Plant: What is a Half-Hardy Annual?

Zinnia is a Half-Hardy Annual.

It originates from Mexico, meaning it craves heat and cannot survive frost.
The Golden Rule: Patience! Zinnias hate cold soil. If you sow them too early or plant them out before June, they will turn yellow and sulk. Wait for the warmth, and they will race away.
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 grow fast but resent having their roots disturbed.

🌱 Germination:
Sow indoors in April/May or direct sow in late May/June. Sow 5mm deep. Keep warm (20°C). Germination is rapid (5-10 days). If sowing indoors, use module trays so you can transplant the whole plug without disturbing the roots.

Where to Sow:
They demand full sun and a sheltered spot. They need rich, fertile soil to support their rapid growth. They are excellent in containers but remember to feed them regularly.

Care While Growing:
Pinch: When plants are 20cm tall, pinch out the top growing tip. This delays flowering by a week but doubles the number of stems you get.
Water: Always water at the base. Wet leaves on Zinnias can lead to mould and mildew.

Plant Specifications

Here is a quick reference guide to the key features.

My Recommended Garden Companions

Lime green goes with everything, but these combinations are particularly striking:

• 💜 Larkspur 'Fancy Purple Picotee': A designer clash. Lime Green and Violet Purple are high-contrast partners. The vertical spikes of the Larkspur cut through the round heads of the Zinnia for a stunning display.
• ☁️ Cosmos 'Purity': Fresh and crisp. White and Green is the freshest combination in the garden. The airy foliage of the Cosmos softens the stiff stems of the Zinnia, creating a relaxed, elegant look.

📅 Sowing & Flowering Calendar

Sow indoors in spring. Plant out only when warm. Flowers mid-summer to frost.

(↔️ Swipe chart to see all months)