Zinnia elegans

HISTORY
Grown by the Aztecs and discovered by botanists in 1519, Zinnia gets its name from Johann Gottfried Zinn, an 18th-century German botanist who worked to improve the colors.

HABIT
Medium-sized 24" plants produce an abundance of fully double pompom-type blossoms about 2½" across in a varied selection of colors. Zinnias thrive in hot weather with moderate water. One of the easiest flowers to grow from seed.

CULTURE
Sow seed in late spring when danger of frost is past or start indoors 6 weeks earlier. Cover seed with 1/4" fine soil well pressed down. When plants are 3" tall, thin or transplant 12–15" apart. Germinates in 5–10 days.