📍 Alma, NY · Zone 5b · Last frost Saturday, April 25, 2026
✏️ ChangeWhen to Plant Zinnia in Alma, New York (14708)
Location
Alma, New York
ZIP Code
14708
USDA Zone
5b
Last Frost
Saturday, April 25, 2026
📅 Your 2026 Planting Dates
Direct Sow Outdoors
Saturday, May 2, 2026
Based on last frost Saturday, April 25, 2026 · Zone 5b
Pro tip: Sow Zinnia directly outdoors 1 week after your last frost date — it needs warm soil.
🌿 Plant Details
☀️ Growing Requirements
☀️
Sun
Full Sun (6-8 hours)
💧
Water
Moderate (1 inch/week)
↔️
Spacing
12" apart
🌱
Planting Depth
0.25" deep
Seeds typically germinate in 5-10 days
Ready to Plant Zinnia in Alma?
Get your seeds now so they're ready by Saturday, May 2, 2026.
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🤝 Good Companions
Full Companion Planting Guide for Zinnia
See which plants help Zinnia thrive, which to keep away, and raised bed layout tips →
🛠️ Supplies You'll Need
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Common Zinnia Varieties
Popular cultivars to look for at your local nursery or seed supplier.
California Giant
Large 4–5 inch double flowers on tall stems; superb for cutting.
Benary's Giant
Top-rated cut flower series with strong stems and an enormous color range.
Envy
Unique lime-green zinnia that pairs beautifully with warm-toned flowers in arrangements.
Zahara
Disease-resistant series with smaller, mounded habit — excellent for beds and containers.
🌾 Seed Saving Guide
🟢 EasyWhen to Harvest Seed
Let flower heads dry completely on the plant — petals should be fully brown and papery.
Processing
Pull dried flower heads apart to find arrow-shaped seeds, dry 1 additional week.
Seed Viability
Up to 3 years when stored cool, dark, and dry.
Pro Tip
Zinnias cross easily — for pure color, save from just one variety or bag flowers before they open.
Raised Bed Planting Guides
A 4×8 bed fits 32 plants of Zinnia. See plant counts, spacing grids, and companion pairings for every bed size →
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Zinnia in Alma, New York? +
In Alma (Zone 5b), direct sow Zinnia outdoors around Saturday, May 2, 2026.
What is the last frost date for Alma, New York? +
The average last spring frost date for Alma, New York (ZIP 14708) is around Saturday, April 25, 2026. This is based on NOAA climate normals for USDA Zone 5b.
How long does Zinnia take to grow? +
Zinnia typically matures in about 60 days from direct sowing. In Alma, that means you can expect harvest around Saturday, May 2, 2026 plus 60 days.
Should I start Zinnia indoors or direct sow in New York? +
Zinnia does best when direct sown outdoors. In Alma, sow directly around Saturday, May 2, 2026.
Other Plants for Alma
Growing Zinnia in Zone 5b
Zinnia (Zinnia elegans) is a popular garden vegetable. In Alma, New York, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b, you should direct sow seeds around Saturday, May 2, 2026.
Your average last frost date is Saturday, April 25, 2026. Zinnia grows well when direct sown, as it doesn't transplant well or germinates quickly outdoors.