Zinnia elegans Desert Sun
Half-hardy Annual
- Flowers: Summer
- Position: Full sun
- Soil: Well drained
- Height: 36 inches
- Germination: Experience Useful
- Aftercare: Easy
- Ideal for: Bedding, Border, Cut Flower, Pot Plant
Description
Zinnias were cultivated by the Aztecs and are definite sun worshippers.
T&M have selected three complementary colors of primrose, ivory and gold, all with large pleated flower heads, borne on tall, erect stems.
Superb as a cut flower and for bedding and borders where they delight in a sunny position.
Flowers summer.
Height 90cm (36in).
Sowing Instructions
| Sowing time: | Indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost or outdoors after last frost where summers are long. |
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| Sowing depth: | 1/16in (1.5mm) |
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Sow indoors at 21-24C (70-75F) in good seed sowing mix.
Cover the seed with 3mm (1/8in) sowing mix and seal inside a plastic bag until germination which usually takes 5-14 days.
They can also be sown outdoors where they are to flower during late May once the soil has warmed.
Keep moist until after germination and thin out to 30cm (12in) apart.
Growing Instructions
When seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant into 7.5cm (3in) pots with care, as the roots are very sensitive, and grow on in cooler conditions.
Gradually acclimatize to outdoor conditions for 10-15 days before planting out in late May-June, after all risk of frost, 30cm (12in) apart.
Aftercare Instructions
Prefers a well drained fertile soil.
Remove faded flowers to encourage more blooms.
