Consulta Plantas

Care of the plant Zinnia elegans or Common zinnia

The genus Zinnia, family Asteraceae, includes 22 species of herbaceous plants native to America, especially Mexico. Some species are: Zinnia elegans, Zinnia haageana, Zinnia grandiflora, Zinnia pumila, Zinnia bicolor.

Common names: Common zinnia, Elegant zinnia or Youth-and-age. This species is native to Mexico.

They are herbaceous plants branching from the base with fragile stems that reach 70 cm (27.5") in height. The leaves are opposite, rough in texture and ovate or subareased in shape. The beautiful flowers appear above the leaves and can be red, pink, yellow, orange, etc. They bloom in summer and early fall.

They are used in flowerbeds and borders and in pots and planters for patios, balconies and terraces. They are also used as cut flowers.

Zinnia elegans needs full sun exposure, although it also grows in semi-shade. It needs a warm climate to bloom profusely. It does not resist frost.

They grow in normal garden soil but prefer calcareous soils that contain organic matter. Planting is done in early spring.

Water frequently so that the substrate is always damp but not flooded; avoid wetting the leaves.

Prune faded flowers to encourage new flowering.

They can be attacked by powdery mildew and other fungi if too much water accumulates on the roots.

They are propagated from seeds sown in spring in the nursery.

Images of the plant Zinnia elegans or Common zinnia