Zinnia
Zip, Zing, Zinnia!
If you’re looking to add a little pizazz to your Summer garden, the Zinnia just might be an answer to your prayers. It’s extremely easy to grow, springs up quickly, and produces an abundance of long-lasting strikingly beautiful flowers.
Although Zinnias will grow in most soils, this sun loving annual will thrive in a fertile well drained environment. Easily grown from sowing seed directly into your flower bed makes this plant a great choice for both the beginner and seasoned gardener. The Zinnia prefers warmer temperatures ranging between 74 and 84 degrees F and once established only needs to be watered when dry. Removing dead flowers encourages more blossoms to form providing a steady stream of vibrant color from late spring to early fall.
Zinnias reach a height of about 2 feet tall but are also available in a giant variety that towers up to 4 feet tall and produces massive blooms. Also available is a smaller dwarf variety that is great for containers.
The Zinnia comes in a rainbow of colors including orange, yellow, pink, red, purple, white and even a candy-striped variety. Plant these dazzling beauties and expect to see oodles of butterflies fluttering around your garden as they enjoy them too!
By Laurie Cervantez
References:
http://www.almanac.com/plant/zinnias
https://www.rodalesorganiclife.com/garden/zinnia/slide/8
https://www.planetnatural.com/growing-zinnias/