Zinnia

These pretty annuals are natives of Mexico. They belong to the Daisy family, Compositae. Z. elegans, Youth-and-old-age, is the most commonly grown kind along with its many different varieties. There are both single and double flowered kinds. Zinnia form bushy, erect, self-branching plants, growing 1 to 4 feet in height. Z. angustifolia is bushy and trailing, 8 to 24 inches. The oval leaves are 2 to 3 inches long. The foliage of Z. angustifolia is narrow. The ray petals of the flowers may be quilled or flat and they come in every shade except blue. Picking off the dead flowers will increase the blooms.

Pot Cultivation

The soil should be well drained, rich and moist to on the dry side. They will flourish in full sun. Set them 8 to 12 inches apart. PROPAGATION: Seeds may be started early indoors at a 70- to 75-degree temperature, 6 to 8 weeks before it's safe to plant outside. Plant them in flats of sifted soil consisting of loam and leaf mold and humus or peat, with a bit of sand added. Seeds may also be sown directly outdoors where they are to grow when the soil is warm.