How & when to cut a zinnia

Zinnias are a summer staple, known and loved for their vibrant colors, long vase life, and easy-going nature. Knowing when to harvest a zinnia is key to getting the most beauty and longevity out of each bloom. So, how can you tell when a zinnia is ready to cut?

Check out this video for a quick tutorial or read the steps below!

1. Check for wiggle

This is the most reliable way to check if a zinnia stem is mature enough to be cut:

• Gently grasp the stem at the second or third set of leaves below the flower head and give a gentle wiggle side-to-side.

  • If the stem feels firm and doesn't flop, it's ready to be cut.

  • If it bends or feels soft and bouncy, give it more time. That stem hasn’t fully matured, and the flower won’t last long in a vase.

  
  

• Be sure to watch the video to see how a zinnia looks when it passed the wiggle test!

2. Check for full bloom

Zinnias should be fully open before you cut them. Unlike some flowers, zinnias do not continue to open once cut.

• Look for:

  • Open petals with vibrant color

  • A flat or slightly dome-shaped flower head

  • No remaining tight buds in the center

If you cut too early, the bloom will stay small and may droop.

The magenta bloom above is an example of a zinnia bloom that is fully open.

Not ready

The pink bloom above is an example of a zinnia that is still in the process of opening. It will be ready when the petals are flat like the magenta bloom in the first photo.

3. Cut Above a Leaf Node

When cutting zinnias, you want to snip just above a leaf node (where leaves grow from the stem). Typically, you will want to cut above the third leaf node, but you can determine this by how long you prefer your stem. Cutting above a leaf node ensures the plant is able to regrow new blooms!