Asteraceae; native to Mexico.

Germination: Best sown indoors, 4 weeks before last frost, at a temperature of 70-75°. Germination will occur in 5-7 days. They can also be sown outdoors, after all danger of frost is past in the spring.

Growth: Transplant when there are at least two sets of true leaves. Grow on in full sun at 60-65° days/55-60° nights. Space 6-12 inches apart in a rich, fertile, well-drained soil. Feed monthly with a balanced fertilizer. They are very tolerant of heat and drought. Water zinnias at ground level, rather than with overhead irrigation. Deadhead to prolong the flower display.

Appearance and Use: These are festive and vigorous plants for use in borders, bedding, edging, containers, and as a fresh cut flower. They will be covered in flowers from summer to frost. Zinnia elegans, Common Zinnia, grows 6-40 inches tall and has broad ovate, 1-4 inch long by 1-2 inch wide leaves. The 1-7 inch diameter flowers come in colors of pink, rose, cherry, lavender, purple, red, orange, salmon, gold, yellow, cream, or light green. Color patterns are solid, zoned, or multi-colored, petal arrangement is either single or double, and flower heads are often chrysanthemum-, dahlia-, or cactuslike. Zinnia haageana, Mexican Zinnia, grows 12-18 inches tall and has narrow 1-2 inch long by 1/2 inch wide leaves. The 1-21/2 inch flowers are red, mahogany, yellow, or orange. Color patterns are solid or two-toned and petal arrangement is either single or double. Zinnia angustifolia (Z. linearis), Narrowleaf Zinnia, grows 12 inches tall and has narrow, 1-2 inch long by 1/2 inch wide leaves. The 1 inch diameter flowers are golden-orange with yellow stripes and are single in petal arrangement.