Zesty Zinnias

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I have always loved zinnias for their vast range of colors and beauty. We once had a farm near me that you could go and pick your own flowers to bring home and enjoy, sadly they are no longer there. Since they moved on I decided I would try and plant some by seed this year. It was so easy and I want to say I got fairly quick results. Several different varieties have been grown over the years, with the first being, Z. peruvians which was introduced in the early 1700's. In the late 1700's, the Zinnia elegans or also known as the Z. violacea which is the most familiar one seen in the garden. This is the one that I am growing. Zinnias are an annual plant with flowers being composites, like daisies. They consist of florets that surround a disc, which may be single, double, or semi-double flowers. They thrive in sunny, hot conditions with lots of water if grown in pots. It is a fabulous addition to my cottage garden and makes a great display in floral arrangements. Needless to say, I will plant these every season moving forward. Next, I want to try the giant varieties. Cheers to growing another all-time favorite cut flower!

Zinnia seeds. photos by Heather Hamilton