Zinnia Dahlia 'Candy Stripe'

150 Seeds

Zinnia Dahlia 'Candy Stripe' is a striking annual flowering plant that produces large dahlia-like blooms in white, pink, red, and rose shades with attractive striped or splashed petals. It is highly valued for garden beds, borders, containers, and cut flowers, while also attracting butterflies and other pollinators. In the Gulf region, it grows best during the cooler season.

Best Planting Time

• September to February (recommended)
• Can also be sown in early March in cooler Gulf areas.
• Avoid sowing during the hottest summer months.

Seed Preparation

• No soaking is required.
• Optional: Soak seeds in lukewarm water for 2–4 hours before sowing to encourage quicker germination.
• Use fresh, high-quality seeds.

Soil Preparation

Zinnias grow best in fertile, well-drained soil.

Recommended mix:

• 40% Sandy garden soil
• 30% Compost
• 20% Coco peat
• 10% Perlite

Ideal soil pH:

• 6.0–7.0

Sowing Method

• Sow seeds directly into the garden or in seed trays.
• Plant seeds 0.5–1 cm deep.
• Keep the soil lightly moist until germination.
• Transplant seedlings carefully if started in trays.

Temperature & Light

• Ideal germination temperature: 20–28°C
• Ideal growing temperature: 20–32°C
• Requires 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
• In late spring, light afternoon shade helps flowers last longer.

Watering

• Keep the soil lightly moist during germination.
• Once established, water deeply when the top 3–4 cm of soil becomes dry.
• Avoid wetting the foliage to reduce fungal diseases.

Germination Time

• 5–10 days

Plant Spacing

• 30–40 cm between plants.
• 40–50 cm between rows.

Flowering

• Blooms approximately 8–10 weeks after sowing.
• Remove faded flowers (deadheading) to encourage continuous blooming.

Fertilization

• Mix compost into the soil before planting.
• Feed every 3–4 weeks with a balanced flowering fertilizer.
• Avoid excessive nitrogen, which encourages leaves instead of flowers.

Gulf Climate Tips

• Grow during the cool season.
• Water early in the morning.
• Apply mulch to help retain soil moisture.
• Ensure good air circulation.
• Monitor for aphids, spider mites, powdery mildew, and leaf spot.
• 'Candy Stripe' performs beautifully in flower beds, borders, containers, balconies, patios, and home gardens throughout the Gulf.