Quick Guide: summer, half-hardy, full sun, height: 60cm/24in, width: 30cm/12in
The most popular annual zinnia, Zinnia elegans, is native to Mexico; the vivid colours of its luxurious blooms certainly have an exotic air. The species is bright purple, but its varieties include yellow, pink, scarlet, orange, white, lavender and violet; some are double-flowered, others are banded in a contrasting colour.
PROPAGATION Sow seed under protection at 16-18°C/ 60-64°F in early spring. When the seedlings are large enough to handle, prick them out into small peat or fibre pots so that the roots will not be disturbed when transplanting. Harden off before planting out in late spring.
GROWING Zinnias like free-draining, fertile soil and a sunny, sheltered site. Pinch out the growing shoots on young plants to encourage a bushy shape. Remove faded or rain-damaged flowerheads.
VARIETIES Dahlia-flowered strain: `Giant Double Mixed' (above), double flowers, all colours; `Canary Bird', yellow; `Envy', lime green. Burpee hybrids, double flowers with wavy petals, are available in all colours. Varieties of the `Pumila' type are only 15cm/6in high: `Early Wonder' is a good mixture.
POSSIBLE PROBLEMS Cucumber mosaic virus causes mottled leaves.
