Botanical Name: Zinnia angustifolia ‘Sweet Tooth Candy Cane’

Hardiness Zone: Grown as an Annual in All Climates

Size: 8–12" Tall × 12–16" Spread

Growth Habit: Compact, Mounded, Well-Branched Habit

Sunlight: Thrives in Full Sun

Soil: Prefers Well-Drained Soil; Tolerates Average to Poor Soils

Water Needs: Moderate Water Needs; Drought Tolerant Once Established

Bloom Season: Late Spring through Frost

Fertilizer: Light, Occasional Feeding; Avoid Excess Nitrogen

Features: Red-and-White Striped Blooms, Heat Tolerant, Excellent Disease Resistance, Pollinator Friendly

Uses: Ideal for Containers, Borders, Mass Plantings, and Sunny Garden Beds

Patent Status: ✔ Patented

Propagation: ❌ Propagation Prohibited Without License

More About Zinnia ‘Sweet Tooth Candy Cane’

Sweet Tooth Candy Cane brings a fun, high-contrast look to the garden with its crisp red-and-white striped flowers—each bloom a little different from the next. Unlike taller zinnias that can get leggy or top-heavy, this variety stays compact and tidy, making it ideal for containers, edging, and mass plantings. It thrives in hot, sunny conditions where many other annuals struggle, continuing to bloom steadily without constant fuss. The narrow-leaved foliage gives it a lighter, more refined look compared to classic zinnias, while still delivering strong color impact. Once established, it handles summer heat with ease and keeps going right up until frost.

Why We Like It (Our Trials)

In our trials, Zinnia ‘Sweet Tooth Candy Cane’ stood out for how clean and consistent it stayed through peak summer heat. Even during long stretches of high temperatures and humidity, the plants held their compact shape without stretching, lodging, or thinning in the center. Flowering never really paused—new striped blooms kept coming without the need for constant deadheading, which is something we always watch closely.

We were especially impressed with its disease resistance, particularly compared to taller Zinnias that can struggle with mildew later in the season. The foliage stayed healthy and fresh well into late summer, making it reliable for both containers and in-ground plantings. From a trial perspective, it checked the boxes we care about most: strong genetics, dependable performance, and standout color without added maintenance.

Sweet Tooth Candy Cane vs. Other Zinnias

Sweet Tooth Candy Cane is the fun Zinnia — no question about it. Compared to Profusion White, it’s far more playful and eye-catching up close. Against Profusion Cherry, it trades uniformity for personality, which I actually like in containers. I don’t use it the same way I useZahara® Yellow, because it’s not meant for big, serious drifts. This one shines where people can stop and look.

In trials, I’ve found Sweet Tooth Candy Cane best suited to intentional placement. It doesn’t have the raw toughness of Zahara® Cherry, and it’s not as uniform as Profusion Orange, but that’s not its job. Compared to Zahara® Yellow, it feels more personal and less commercial. Choose Sweet Tooth Candy Cane when gardeners want something cheerful, unique, and conversation-worthy, especially in pots, edging, or smaller spaces where detail matters.