Zinnia elegans Macarenia | Bicolor Zinnia | Scarlet & Gold

Zinnia elegans Macarenia | Bicolor Zinnia

Zinnia elegans ‘Macarenia’ is one of the most striking and recognisable bicolor zinnias available today. Each vivid scarlet petal is tipped with glowing golden edges, creating a dramatic, eye-catching contrast that stands out beautifully in borders, bouquets, and summer displays. Loved for its bold personality, this cultivar won the Fleuroselect Novelty Award (2012) for exceptional garden performance, abundant flowering, and unique coloration.

Highly productive, heat-tolerant, and easy to grow, ‘Macarenia’ is an ideal choice for cut-flower growers, cottage gardens, and vibrant summer plantings. Its strong stems, excellent branching, and mostly double blooms make it a reliable favourite throughout the season.

Plant Information

• Botanical name: Zinnia elegans ‘Macarenia’
• Type: Annual
• Height: 65–75 cm
• Spread / Plant spacing: 25–30 cm
• Position: Full sun
• Soil: Fertile, well-drained
• Days to maturity: 75–90 days
• Pinching: When plants reach 20–30 cm (8–12 in)
• Flower size: Approx. 8 cm
• Use: Borders • Cut Flowers • Landscapes • Containers
• Flowering period: July – September (or until frost)
• Mostly double scarlet flowers with golden tips.
  

Why Grow ‘Macarenia’

• Unique bicolor blooms: bright scarlet petals with golden tips
• High percentage of double flowers
• Heat-loving and extremely easy to grow
• Excellent branching habit for continuous harvest
• Thrives in full sun and warm conditions
• Perfect for bold bouquets, artistic floral work, and standout garden displays
• A fun, conversation-starting variety — people always react to it!

How to Sow

Sow Indoors (March–April)

• Start seeds 4–6 weeks before the last frost
• Sow in trays/pots with seed compost; cover lightly (needs light to germinate)
• Germination: 7–14 days
• Transplant carefully into 7 cm pots when 3–5 cm tall
• Harden off and plant outdoors after frost risk has passed
• Space plants 25–30 cm apart

Direct Sow (April–July)

• Sow in full sun in warm, well-prepared soil
• Cover lightly; seeds require light for germination
• Germination in 5–10 days
• Thin seedlings to 25–30 cm spacing
• Successive sowing every 2–3 weeks (April–July) ensures continuous blooms

Growing Tips

• Loves full sun and warm conditions
• Use compost or a slow-release fertiliser for vigorous plants
• Water deeply but avoid wetting foliage
• Deadhead or cut regularly to encourage abundant blooming
• Protect young plants from slugs/snails
• Pinching at 8–12 in height creates strong branching and more flowers
• Good airflow helps prevent powdery mildew

Harvesting & Vase Life

• Use the wiggle test: if the stem stays stiff, it’s ready to cut
• Do not store zinnias in the cooler
• Add a few drops of bleach to clean vase water to prevent cloudiness
• Vase life: approx. 7 days
• Remove all foliage below the waterline

Perfect For

• Florist-quality bouquets
• Colourful summer borders
• Cutting gardens
• Cottage gardens
• Container displays
• Long-season bloom interest