PlantFiles: Zinnia
Zinnia elegans 'Candy Cane Mix'

This genus of 20 species of erect to spreading annuals, perennials and sub-shrubs has daisy-like, terminal flowerheads in many colors including white, yellow, orange, red, purple and lilac. Found throughout Mexico and Central and South America, some are grown for cut flowers and in mixed borders.
Cultivation: These plants are marginally frost hardy and should be grown in a sunny position in fertile soil that drains well. They need frequent deadheading. Propagate from seed sown under glass early in spring.
Zinnia elegans - Youth-And-Old-Age
This sturdy Mexican annual is the best known of the zinnias. The wild form has purple flowerheads, and blooms from summer to fall. It grows fairly rapidly to 24-30", with a smaller spread. Garden varieties offer hues of white, red, pink, yellow, violet, orange or crimson in flowers up to 6" across. 'Envy' has pale green semi-double flowers. The Dreamland series is compact and heavy flowering - typical of F1 Hybrid bedding zinnias. 'F1 Dreamland Ivy' has pale greenish yellow flowers. The thumbelina series has 2" wide flowerheads on plants only 6" high.
Zones 8-11.