Meet the Mighty Zinnia
Meet the Zinnia: A Tennessee Favorite for Summer Bouquets
If you’ve ever walked our fields in summer, you’ve probably noticed the cheerful pops of color that seem to go on forever. Those bright faces belong to zinnias—a flower that’s become one of the most beloved blooms in Tennessee gardens and bouquets. Let’s explore why zinnias hold such a special place in both our fields and our hearts.
🌸 A Flower for Everyone
Zinnias are one of the most versatile flowers you’ll ever meet. They come in nearly every color of the rainbow—vivid pinks, fiery oranges, sunny yellows, soft pastels, and even striking bicolors. With so many shapes and sizes, they fit into almost any bouquet or arrangement. But you won’t find them in many grocery stores. Zinnias don’t ship well, so they’re a specialty of local growers!
At the farm: Visitors love filling their cups with a mix of zinnias, creating bouquets that look like pure summer joy.
🌞 Born for the Heat
Zinnias thrive in hot, sunny weather, which makes them perfectly at home in East Tennessee summers. While other flowers start to fade under the August sun, zinnias keep blooming, offering endless color right up to the first frost.
At the farm: Our zinnia rows are some of the most reliable bloomers, ensuring there’s always something vibrant to pick even in late summer.
🌼 Long-Lasting Beauty
Not only do zinnias grow abundantly, but they also last a long time once cut. With fresh water and a little care, zinnias can brighten your kitchen table for a week or more. Be sure to strip off any greenery to decrease the bacteria in the water.
At the farm: Guests often tell us their zinnia bouquets last so long they’re still enjoying them when they come back to pick again.
🌿 Pollinator Favorites
Zinnias aren’t just beautiful for us—they’re magnets for butterflies, bees, and other pollinators. Walking through the zinnia patch is like stepping into a living pollinator festival, full of movement and life.
At the farm: Kids especially love watching butterflies land on zinnias right beside them as they pick.
💐 Why Zinnias Matter
Zinnias symbolize endurance and lasting friendship—fitting, since they keep blooming faithfully through the season. They remind us of the joy of simple, everyday beauty and the way flowers connect us to each other.
At the farm: If you’re searching for things to do in Johnson City, TN or want a bouquet that feels like sunshine in your hands, come explore our zinnia rows. These blooms are ready to brighten your day and remind you of the season’s simple joys.
Plan your visit to Harvey Family Farm and see why zinnias are one of Tennessee’s favorite summer flowers.