Zinnia elegans Oklahoma Carmine | Elegant Cut Flower Zinnia

Professional Cut Flower Variety | Semi-Double to Double Flowers | Cut & Come Again

Zinnia elegans ‘Oklahoma Carmine’ is an elegant professional cut flower Zinnia producing an abundance of rich carmine-magenta, semi-double to double flowers on strong, well-branched stems.

Part of the professional Oklahoma series by Benary, this variety was specifically bred for cut flower production. Plants are vigorous, productive and naturally well-branched, producing numerous flowering stems throughout the season.

The sophisticated colour is what makes Oklahoma Carmine especially beautiful for floristry. Depending on the stage of bloom and light, the flowers show a rich combination of carmine and magenta with violet and deep wine-red undertones.

With flowers around 5 cm in diameter, Oklahoma Carmine is more delicate than large-flowered Zinnias and fits beautifully into wedding bouquets, market bouquets and natural garden-style arrangements.

Plant Information

• Botanical name: Zinnia elegans
• Series: Oklahoma
• Variety: Oklahoma Carmine
• Breeder: Benary
• Plant type: Annual
• Flower colour: Rich carmine-magenta with violet and deep wine-red undertones
• Flower type: Semi-double to double
• Flower size: approx. 5 cm
• Height: approx. 70–90 cm
• Habit: Upright, strong and well-branched
• Exposure: Full sun
• Crop time: approx. 10–12 weeks / 70–84 days
• Flowering type: Facultative short-day plant
• Seed form: Raw seed
• Uses: Cut flowers, bouquets, flower farms, cutting gardens, beds and containers
• Vase life: approx. 7–10 days

Sophisticated Carmine-Magenta Flowers

Oklahoma Carmine stands out for its deep, sophisticated colour palette.

Rather than a simple bright pink, the flowers combine rich carmine and magenta shades with subtle violet and deep wine-red undertones. Individual flowers can vary slightly in tone, creating a beautifully natural effect when several stems are arranged together.

This colour works particularly well with:

Blush Pink • Dusty Rose • Apricot • Peach • Burgundy • Plum • Cream • White • Chocolate • Green

Oklahoma Carmine combines beautifully with Dahlias, Lisianthus, Snapdragons, Cosmos, Scabiosa, Amaranthus and other seasonal cut flowers.

Professional Cut Flower Zinnia

The Oklahoma series was developed specifically for cut flower production.

Oklahoma Carmine produces numerous semi-double to double flowers on strong, well-branched stems, making it highly suitable for regular harvesting throughout the summer.

The flowers are approximately 5 cm across, giving them a more refined scale than large-flowered Zinnias.

This smaller flower size is especially useful in mixed bouquets, where Oklahoma Carmine can fill the spaces between larger focal flowers while adding rich colour and texture.

Abundant Semi-Double to Double Flowers

Plants produce an abundance of semi-double to double flowers with multiple layers of petals.

The blooms have enough fullness to create visual impact while maintaining the relaxed, natural appearance that makes Zinnias so beautiful in garden-style floristry.

Regular cutting encourages the plants to branch and continue producing new flowering stems.

Strong & Well-Branched Stems

Oklahoma Carmine develops strong, upright and naturally well-branched plants.

Instead of producing only a few dominant stems, established plants develop numerous side branches, providing multiple stems suitable for cutting.

This productive growth habit makes Oklahoma Carmine an excellent choice for both home cutting gardens and professional flower farms.

Cut & Come Again

Oklahoma Carmine is an excellent cut-and-come-again flower.

After a flowering stem is harvested, the plant develops new side shoots that produce the next flush of flowers.

Regular harvesting and removing spent flowers encourage plants to continue branching and flowering throughout the season.

For an even longer supply of cut flowers, sow or plant Oklahoma Zinnias in successive batches approximately every 2–3 weeks.

After harvesting, established plants can develop new branches and another flush of flowers in approximately 3–4 weeks, depending on growing conditions.

Growing from Seed

Oklahoma Carmine is fast-growing and easy to raise from seed.

• Sow 1 seed per cell or small pot
• Cover lightly with vermiculite or a thin layer of growing medium
• Light is not required for germination
• Germination temperature: 21–24°C
• Germination: approx. 3–5 days under optimum conditions
• Keep the growing medium evenly moist but never waterlogged

For earlier flowers, start seeds indoors approximately 4 weeks before planting outdoors.

Zinnias grow quickly, so avoid keeping young plants in small cells for too long.

Plant outdoors only when all risk of frost has passed.

Direct Sowing

Oklahoma Carmine can also be direct sown outdoors once the soil has warmed and there is no longer a risk of frost.

Choose a warm, sunny position with well-drained soil.

For a continuous supply of flowers through summer, make several successive sowings.

Light & Growing Conditions

Zinnias love sun and warmth.

Grow Oklahoma Carmine in full sun for strong stems, healthy growth and abundant flowering.

High light intensity and warm temperatures encourage faster plant development and can shorten the overall crop time.

Oklahoma Carmine is a facultative short-day plant. It will flower under different day lengths, although flowering may begin somewhat earlier under shorter days.

Soil & Fertilization

Plant in fertile, loose and well-drained soil.

Mature compost or well-decomposed organic matter can be incorporated before planting.

Once plants are established and actively growing, use a balanced fertilizer suitable for flowering plants when additional feeding is required.

Avoid excessive nitrogen, particularly high ammonium levels, as overly lush growth can result in softer stems.

Watering & Air Circulation

Water regularly, especially during warm and dry weather.

Keep the soil evenly moist without allowing it to remain waterlogged.

Good air circulation between plants supports healthy growth, so avoid planting too densely.

Whenever possible, water around the base of the plants rather than repeatedly wetting the foliage.

Pinching for More Cut Flowers

When Oklahoma Carmine is grown for cutting, pinching can encourage stronger branching and increase the number of harvestable stems.

Once young plants are established and actively growing, pinch out the central growing tip just above a pair of leaves.

This encourages several side shoots to develop instead of one dominant central stem, creating a bushier and more productive plant.

Harvesting Oklahoma Carmine

Harvest when the flowers are well developed and the stems are firm enough for cutting.

A simple way to check whether a Zinnia is ready is the wiggle test.

Hold the stem approximately 20–25 cm below the flower and gently shake it.

If the stem remains firm and the flower head stays relatively stable, it is ready to harvest. If the stem is still soft and the flower head wobbles considerably, allow it to mature a little longer.

For best freshness, harvest during the cooler morning or evening hours and place stems immediately into clean water.

Under good conditions, cut flowers can have a vase life of approximately 7–10 days.

Perfect for Wedding & Market Bouquets

The sophisticated carmine-magenta colour makes Oklahoma Carmine especially valuable for floristry.

Its compact approximately 5 cm flowers work beautifully as supporting flowers between larger blooms, while the deep colour adds richness and depth to arrangements.

Oklahoma Carmine is an excellent choice for:

Cut Flower Gardens • Flower Farms • Market Bouquets • Wedding Floristry • Bridal Bouquets • Summer & Autumn Arrangements • Garden-Style Bouquets • Seasonal Floristry

Why Grow Oklahoma Carmine?

Professional Benary cut flower variety • Sophisticated carmine-magenta colour • Violet and deep wine-red undertones • Abundant semi-double to double flowers • Approx. 5 cm blooms • Strong stems • Excellent branching • Cut-and-come-again flowering • Easy to grow from seed • Excellent for bouquets and floristry

Zinnia Oklahoma Carmine (Zinnia elegans) is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a productive cut flower Zinnia with sophisticated colour, strong stems and excellent branching.

Its rich carmine-magenta flowers, compact size and ability to produce new flowering stems after cutting make Oklahoma Carmine a beautiful variety for cutting gardens, flower farms, market bouquets, weddings and professional floristry.