This upright, 30-inch-tall, bushy annual cloaks itself all summer in purple blossoms up to 2 inches across. But more important, it is the forebear of scores of varieties that can be found in almost any place you can buy seeds. There’s the Whirligig Series, the California Giants, the Profusion Series, the State Fair Series—the list goes on and on.
Noteworthy CharacteristicsThese old-fashioned annuals from Mexico produce upright, long-stemmed blossoms in a range of forms (single, semi-double, and double), making them indispensible as cut flowers, as well as in annual displays, herb and cottage gardens, and mixed borders. The smaller flowered cultivars are perfect for edging and naturalized areas.
CareProvide fertile, well-drained soil in full sun with good air circulation. Deadhead spent blossoms to continue flowering.
PropagationSow seed (preferably in succession for a longer flowering period) where it is to grow in late spring or at 55°F to 65°F in early spring.
ProblemsBacterial and fungal spots, bacterial wilt, powdery mildew, Southern blight, stem rots, caterpillars, mealybugs, spider mites.
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- Genus : Zinnia
- Plant Height : 1 to 3 feet
- Plant Width : 1 to 3 feet
- Plant Type : Annuals
- Characteristics : Attracts Hummingbirds
- Uses : Containers
- Tolerance : Deer Tolerant, Drought Tolerant
- Moisture : Dry to Medium
- Bloom Time : Early Summer, Late Summer, Summer
- Growth Rate : Fast
- Light : Full Sun
- Maintenance : Moderate
- Flower Color : Pink, Yellow
- Plant Seasonal Interest : Summer Interest
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