Zinnia Elegans Seeds - Vibrant Annual Blooms, Easy to Grow, Garden Favorite
Zinnia elegans, also known as Common Zinnia, produces bright, long-lasting flowers in shades of red, pink, orange, yellow, and purple. This fast-growing annual reaches 12-40 inches tall with a bushy, upright habit. Blooms all summer until frost, attracting pollinators. Ideal for borders, beds, and cut flowers. Easy to grow from seed.
### **Botanical Information:**
- **Latin Name:** *Zinnia elegans*
- **Common Names:** Common Zinnia, Youth-and-Age, some varieties Cut and Come Again
### **Plant Description:**
- **Height:** 12-40 inches (30-100 cm)
- **Width:** 12-18 inches (30-45 cm)
- **Growth Rate:** Fast
- **Leaf Type:** Opposite, lance-shaped, slightly hairy
- **Habit:** Upright, bushy annual
### **Flower Characteristics:**
- **Color:** Red, pink, orange, yellow, purple, white (varies by variety)
- **Size:** 1-5 inches (2.5-12.5 cm) across
- **Bloom Time:** Summer to first frost
- **Attracts:** Butterflies, bees, hummingbirds
### **Native Range & Interesting Facts:**
- Native to Mexico and Central America
- Named after German botanist Johann Gottfried Zinn
- Popular in Victorian gardens
- Heat and drought tolerant once established
### **How to Grow from Seed:**
1. **When to Plant:** Start indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost or sow directly outdoors after frost.
2. **Germination Temperature:** 70-75°F (21-24°C)
3. **Depth:** 1/4 inch (6 mm)
4. **Spacing:** 6-18 inches (15-45 cm), depending on variety
5. **Germination Time:** 5-10 days
### **Garden Care:**
- **Sun:** Full sun (6+ hours daily)
- **Soil:** Well-draining, moderately fertile
- **Watering:** Moderate; drought tolerant once established
- **Fertilizer:** Light feeding with balanced fertilizer every few weeks
- **Deadheading:** Encourages continuous blooms
- **Pests/Diseases:** Watch for powdery mildew; provide good air circulation
### **Hardiness Zone:**
- USDA Zones **2-11** (Grown as an annual in all zones)