Botanical Name: Zinnia marylandica Zahara® ‘Yellow’

Hardiness Zone: Grown as an Annual in All Climates

Size: 12–18" Tall × 12–18" 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: Bright Yellow Blooms, Exceptional Heat Tolerance, Superior Disease Resistance, Pollinator Friendly

Uses: Ideal for Mass Plantings, Borders, Containers, and High-Heat Landscapes

Patent Status: ✔ Patented

Propagation: ❌ Propagation Prohibited Without License

More About Zinnia ‘Zahara® Yellow’

Zahara® Yellow brings bold, sunny color to the landscape without the common issues that plague traditional yellow zinnias. The blooms stay vibrant and clear, resisting fading even during prolonged heat and intense sun. Plants form a dense, rounded mound that fills in evenly, making this variety especially effective in large drifts and public-facing landscapes. Unlike taller yellow zinnias that can look tired by midsummer, Zahara® Yellow maintains a clean, uniform appearance all season. Its ability to bloom continuously without deadheading makes it a dependable choice for both home gardens and commercial plantings.

Why We Like It (Our Trials)

In our trials, Zahara® Yellow consistently impressed with its durability and uniform growth. Plants stayed compact and well-branched, with no tendency to open up or sprawl as summer progressed. Bloom coverage remained strong through peak heat, with flowers appearing steadily rather than in flushes.

We were especially impressed by its disease resistance, particularly against powdery mildew and leaf spot, which often impact yellow varieties first. The foliage stayed clean and attractive late into the season, making it one of the most reliable yellow annuals we grow. From a trial perspective, Zahara® Yellow delivers exactly what we want: bright color, tough genetics, and season-long performance with minimal effort.

Zahara® Yellow vs. Other Zinnias

Zahara® Yellow is the Zinnia I reach for when the garden needs bright color that won’t falter under heat stress. Compared to its sibling, Zahara® Cherry, Yellow reads brighter and lighter in the landscape, especially when planted in large drifts where color consistency matters.  It also holds its foliage better than Sweet Tooth Candy Cane, which has not done as well under drought and heat stress. The blooms come steadily rather than in bursts, which keeps beds looking even all summer long.

Where Zahara® Yellow really separates itself is durability. Compared to Profusion White, it hides dust and pollen better and keeps that fresh look longer in high-traffic areas. Against Profusion Orange, Zahara® Yellow feels cleaner and less fiery, making it easier to pair with blues and purples without overpowering them. If you want maximum brightness with minimum maintenance, Zahara® Yellow is the clear choice. This is the variety I recommend when gardeners want bold color that behaves itself from planting day to frost.