Zinnia Benary's Giant Lilac
Zinnia elegans
 
The premium zinnia.
Recommended by the Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers. High yields of long, sturdy stems with 4-6", fully double Lilac , dahlia-like blooms. Largest-flowered varieties of zinnias available. Excellent vase life. Vigorous plants hold up well in summer heat and rain. Low susceptibility to powdery mildew. Cut-and-come-again flower, yielding multiple cuts over the season.
 
Excellent Wedding flower
 
Details:
Plant life cycle : annual
Site: Full sun
Height: 36-48”
Days to maturity: 75-90 days
Sow: 1/4" deep
Plant spacing: 9-12”
Pinch: when 12” tall 
Approx seeds per packet: 20
 
How to grow:
Sow into 72-cell flats or preferred seedling container 4 weeks before last frost. Cover seeds. A heat mat will help maintain an accurate temperature. Lower temperatures will result in slower germination: 5-7 days at 70-75°F (21-24°C). Harden-off and transplant out after last frost. Do not allow plants to become root bound and avoid disturbing roots; transplant shock or other stress events may cause double-flowering varieties to produce single blooms for a period following stress.
Direct seed - After last frost, sow 1/4" deep. Succession-sow/plant every two weeks for prolonged yields of high-quality stems. Pinching of initial bud or bloom and subsequent deadheading is recommended to encourage strong branching and bloom production.
 
Harvest:
Before completely open. Stem is firm from point of cut to just below the bloom.
 
Vase Life:
Will last for 7-10 days. Flower preservative is recommended