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When to Plant Zinnia in Whittier, California (90607)

Location

Whittier, California

ZIP Code

90607

USDA Zone

10b

Last Frost

Thursday, January 15, 2026

📅 Your 2026 Planting Dates

Direct Sow Outdoors

Thursday, January 22, 2026

Based on last frost Thursday, January 15, 2026 · Zone 10b

Pro tip: Sow Zinnia directly outdoors 1 week after your last frost date — it needs warm soil.

🌿 Plant Details

Scientific Name Zinnia elegans
Days to Maturity 60 days
Mature Height 12-36"
Spread 12"
Type Annual

☀️ 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 Whittier?

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Thursday, January 22, 2026.

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🤝 Good Companions

TomatoCucumberPepper
🤝

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

open-pollinated 70d

Large 4–5 inch double flowers on tall stems; superb for cutting.

Benary's Giant

hybrid 75d

Top-rated cut flower series with strong stems and an enormous color range.

Envy

open-pollinated 75d

Unique lime-green zinnia that pairs beautifully with warm-toned flowers in arrangements.

Zahara

hybrid 60d

Disease-resistant series with smaller, mounded habit — excellent for beds and containers.

🌾 Seed Saving Guide

🟢 Easy
✅ Open-pollinated — seeds grow true to parent

When 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 Whittier, California? +

In Whittier (Zone 10b), direct sow Zinnia outdoors around Thursday, January 22, 2026.

What is the last frost date for Whittier, California? +

The average last spring frost date for Whittier, California (ZIP 90607) is around Thursday, January 15, 2026. This is based on NOAA climate normals for USDA Zone 10b.

How long does Zinnia take to grow? +

Zinnia typically matures in about 60 days from direct sowing. In Whittier, that means you can expect harvest around Thursday, January 22, 2026 plus 60 days.

Should I start Zinnia indoors or direct sow in California? +

Zinnia does best when direct sown outdoors. In Whittier, sow directly around Thursday, January 22, 2026.

Other Plants for Whittier

Growing Zinnia in Zone 10b

Zinnia (Zinnia elegans) is a popular garden vegetable. In Whittier, California, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 10b, you should direct sow seeds around Thursday, January 22, 2026.

Your average last frost date is Thursday, January 15, 2026. Zinnia grows well when direct sown, as it doesn't transplant well or germinates quickly outdoors.