Zinnia are native to scrub and dry grassland in an area stretching from the Southwestern United States to South America, with a centre of diversity in Mexico. Zinnias are now found throughout the world and are a popular garden plant. Members of the genus are notable for their solitary long-stemmed flowers that come in a variety of bright colours. Zinnias are annuals, shrubs, and sub-shrubs. Most species have upright stems but some have a lax habit with spreading stems that mound over the surface of the ground. They typically range in height from 10 to 100 cm tall. The leaves are opposite and usually stalkless (sessile), with a shape ranging from linear to ovate, and a colour ranging from pale to medium green. The flowers have a range of appearances, from a single row of petals to a dome shape. Zinnias may be white, chartreuse, yellow, orange, red, purple, or lilac. Zinnias are an annual plant that preferably grows in situ from seed, as they dislike being transplanted. Much like daisies, zinnias prefer to have full sunlight and adequate water. In the preferred conditions they will grow quickly but are sensitive to frost and therefore will die after the first frost of autumn. Zinnias benefit from deadheading to encourage further blooming. Zinnias seem to be a favourite of butterflies as well as birds, and many gardeners add zinnias specifically to attract them. Seeds for Africa have worked with a fanatic Zinnnia enthusiast to bring you a wide range of Zinnias in mixes, single colours and Dahlia and Cactus flowered.
Beautiful candy striped flowers are a feature on this annual. Grow in the full sun in spring and summer and expect blossoming in 10 weeks.
