Zinnia, << ZIHN ee uh, >> is the name of a group of flowering plants, some of which are commonly grown in gardens. There are dozens of species (kinds). Zinnias are native to the southwestern United States, Central America, and South America. They are also cultivated in Europe.
Zinnias grow from about 4 inches (10 centimeters) to over 3 feet (90 centimeters) tall. Zinnia blossoms consist of many small flowers of two types—small, tube-shaped disk flowers of varying colors grouped in the center and petallike ray flowers around the edge. The ray flowers can be white, pink, red, orange, yellow, and even green.
Some zinnias are annuals and live only one year. Others are perennials and bloom more than one year. Zinnias grow best in a warm, sunny climate and deep, sandy soil. The seeds should be planted in early spring after the danger of frost has passed. The seeds can also be planted inside in late winter and transplanted outside in spring. Zinnias flower in midsummer to late summer.
