Family: Asteraceae
Common name: Zinnia
If you have a patch of Zinnia flowers in your garden, I bet nobody will be able to take their eyes off them, not even you! That’s how pretty Zinnia flowers look in bunches. Each plant produces only a few flowers, one on each flower head. But growing them together is when the magic happens.
Plant characteristics
Zinnia plants vary in height from 10 to 100 cm, crowned by beautifully-colored symmetric flowers.
The flowers range in color from pink, red, white, orange, lilac, violet, magenta, purple, bronze and even green. There are some flowers with a combination of colors; striped or speckled.
The leaves are always arranged opposite each other without stalks; growing directly on the main stem. Zinnias are annual plants, withering away after an intense blooming season. But each season can give you enough seeds to start the next batch.
Gardening tips
Zinnia plants need bright, direct sunlight for most part of the day to grow and flower well. Most Zinnia plants grow upright, but some fall to the ground and spread around.
Zinnia plants do well in flower beds as border plants. But they can be grown easily in pots where the plants and flowers can cover the pots fully in blooming season.
These plants needs regular watering and fertilization. For any pest infestations, the plant can be sprayed with neem oil or organic insecticides.
The stems are not very strong and might need support once the plant is in bloom. There are numerous cultivars for Zinnia; based on flower color, number of petals and height of the plant.
The most common species is Zinnia Elegans. Flowers range from single-flowered Zinnia having petals in a single row, with the center clearly visible; or double-flowered Zinnia having numerous rows of petals with no visible center.
Uses of Zinnia
Zinnia plants are mostly grown as ornamental plants. Though their bright colors attract bees, butterflies and hummingbirds to the garden, aiding in pollination of other plants as well.
Zinnia plants can be grown as good ground cover since their shallow spreading roots can hold fast to the soil, preventing loss or fertile top soil.
Propagation
Propagation is through seeds. Once the flowers are dry, small, flattened dry seeds can be collected and sowed. They usually germinate very quickly, producing new plants.
Photographed at: Olde Bangalore resort; and GKVK Bangalore
