Zinnia

Description
Rather stiff erect stems with short bristly hairs. Leaves opposite, ovalish or lance-shaped, usually stem-clasping. Flowers in solitary, flattish or cone-shaped, showy heads, each flower growing in the axil of a scale-like bract, the tip of which is often colored. Ray flowers of every shade except blue, the underside often greenish, arranged in one to many rows. Disk flowers yellow or purplish brown.

How to Grow
Where growing season is short, start seeds indoors at least 6 weeks before plants will be set out. Do not let soil dry out, and maintain temperature at 65-70° F (18.5-21.0° C). When danger of frost is past, set out in garden. Where growing season is long, sow outdoors in early spring, or earlier in the South. Sow groups of 3-4 seeds 12 in. (30 cm) apart. Thin when 3 in. (7.5 cm) high. Best results come from enriched soil. Keep moist until established. To prevent mildew disease, do not wet leaves. Water freely in hot, dry weather. In very hot climates, provide afternoon shade. All zinnias prefer warm weather. They make excellent cut flowers. Strip off leaves, because foliage deteriorates quickly and will smell rank.

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