ZINNIA

Z. elegans (zinnia); Z. linearis (narrow-leaf zinnia); Z. haageana (Mexican zinnia)

Zinnias, invariably the last flower in an alphabetical listing of annuals, often come first in preference among gardeners because they are so easy to grow and because their brilliant flowers are so handsome. Zinnias come in many heights and flower sizes and forms. Some are less than 1 foot tall with round flower heads less than 1 inch across, while others tower 3 feet tall and bear 7-inch blossoms on strong, wiry stems. Zinnia colors once were harsh and their petals coarse, a double heritage from their wild Mexican progenitors, but the plants have been subject to much development and improvement. The color range has softened; modern varieties include such colors as apricot, rose, cream, white, violet, pale yellow and even green, as well as the familiar bright red and orange. Multicolored and striped varieties are also available. The narrow-leaf zinnia, which grows about a foot tall, has flowers usually 1 inch in diameter that are white or orange. Mexican zinnia has bicolored flowers in shades of gold, red and mahogany.

USES. The many varieties of zinnia are decorative in borders, in edgings, in garden beds and in arrangements of cut flowers--in short, they are the all-purpose garden annual. They add much color to late-summer gardens when most annuals are past their prime. Any good garden soil and a sunny location are all that zinnias require to flourish.

HOW TO GROW:

Start zinnia seeds indoors four to six weeks before the last frost is due, and move seedlings outdoors when all frost danger has passed. Seeds may also be sown outdoors, where the plants are to grow, when night temperatures remain above 50°. Zinnias like hot weather, and when temperatures are cool they simply stand still. In the garden, space plants 6 to 12 inches apart, depending on their expected height.