Zinnia Elegans

This beautiful Zinnia variety grows 3’-4’ in height. Flowers measure 1.25" in diameter and bloom in pink, yellow, red, white, and lavender.

Planting: Direct seed in the garden after danger of last frost has passed. Planting depth at most 1/8". The seed needs some light to germinate, so don't bury seeds too deeply. Allow at least 4” between seeds.

It is a bushy herb reaching a height of up to 18 inches. Its leaves have a sweet, spicy flavor. The large leaves are bright green, slightly crinkled, and can grow up to 3 inches long. Small white/pinkish flowers are arranged in a spike and can also be eaten. The flowers are much stronger than the leaves so should be used sparingly.

Seed directly after the last frost when the soil temperature reaches 65-70 degrees F and when nighttime temperatures do not go below 50 F. Enrich the soil before planting with some compost or well-aged manure instead of fertilizing later. Keep the soil moist, but not soggy. Sow seeds at a depth of 1/4 inch or less. Space 1 inch apart. Germinates in 5-10 days. Thin to 12-15 inches apart after 2 or 3 sets of true leaves appear. This herb prefers full sun, at least six hours or more of direct sunlight each day. Although it can survive in partial sun, the herb grows leggier and produces fewer leaves in lower light conditions. Pinch stems back to encourage bushier growth. You can easily do this any time you need a few leaves. Just cut them off right above a leaf node and the plant will send out new branches.