Zinnia elegans - Yellow dahlia-flowered

Zinnia, yellow (Zinnia elegans)

Zinnia comes from Mexico. It is an annual with large, rounded flowers that, depending on the variety, reaches a height of up to 90 cm. It flowers in July and August, this variety with yellow flowers. It suits beds and cutting for a vase, and with frequent water changes it lasts over a week. Vegetable growers will appreciate that zinnias repel nematodes.

How to grow

• It needs a warm, sunny position sheltered from the wind and regular watering.
• Sow the seeds in March in a cold frame and cover them lightly. They germinate best at a temperature of around 18 °C.
• Plant out in the bed only at the end of May, when there is no longer a risk of frost.
• It prefers nutrient-rich, well-drained, warm soil with humus. Before planting work in ripe compost, and feed roughly every 14 days during the growing season.

The pack contains 50 seeds.