Zinnia (Zinnia elegans)
Zinnias are ideal cut flowers because of their longevity. In the border, they pair particularly well with other perennials and summer flowers. Smaller varieties are also suitable for pot cultivation. If you have marigolds, marigolds, or grasses in your garden, these make ideal border companions.

Blossom:
Sometimes single, sometimes densely filled, composite flowers reminiscent of dahlias. The flowers shimmer velvety in red, pink, violet, yellow, orange, and white, or even bicolor. They have tubular or spoon-shaped ray florets that gather to form disc florets.
Leaves:
Heart-shaped, egg-shaped or roundish-oval, five-ribbed and usually about 6 cm long, rough-haired.
Growth:
With its stiff, upright stems, it reaches heights of 20 to 100 cm, depending on the variety. The stems are solitary and coarsely hairy.
Flowering time:
July to September
Location:
Full sun; flowering will be reduced in partial shade. It prefers very warm conditions. Cold, wet locations are completely unsuitable.
Care:
Tall varieties require support to prevent them from bending. Zinnias have high demands on light, water, and nutrients. Therefore, water and fertilize regularly and choose the right location.
Reproduction:
Sowing can begin in March in the greenhouse. The seedlings can then be planted outdoors starting in mid-May. But only if the weather is already warm enough; otherwise, it's better to wait until early June.
TEXT: Carina Naeve