Which zinnias are edible

Over the last thirty years, dozens of new zinnia varieties have been introduced, so that one can choose between compact, powdery mildew-resistant 'Profusion' zinnias, which form low cushions of color, mid-size varieties like 'Cut and Come Again', which were bred in France in the 's, or tall, large flowered varieties like 'State Fair' and 'Benary Giant', which make great cut flowers.

Many bug and butterfly watchers have observed that low-growing zinnias are less attractive than taller varieties, and single-flowered strains are preferred over doubles. Two variety names - Whirligig and Zowie — are often named as butterfly favorites by gardeners; a study from the University of Kentucky found that the heirloom ' Lilliput ' variety attracted twice as many butterflies as 'Oklahoma' and 'State Fair'.

For example, soft yellow is easy to mix and match in bouquets, but orange can present a challenge. Growing zinnias in mixed colors gives you plenty of flexibility, and you can save seeds from varieties you especially like. Semi-tropical zinnias need warm conditions to grow well, so I wait until late spring to start seeds indoors. Seed germination is usually fast and sure, but then the seedlings need plenty of light to keep them happy.

I grow my zinnia seedlings alongside tomato and pepper seedlings, which have similar preferences for warm temperatures and intense light. Zinnias need fertile soil in full sun, and varieties that grow more than 24 inches 60 cm tall benefit from staking.

These Z. Not only is this variety tolerant of pests and severe summer weather, it also holds its own against powdery mildew and other common diseases that may affect other varieties. Seeds are available from True Leaf Market. This heirloom type, a variety of Z. And the flowers themselves are impressively large, about four to five inches in diameter. Dahlia Flowered Mix. Seeds in a mix of colors including yellow, white, red, orange, and pink are available from Eden Brothers in a variety of package sizes.

A hybrid cross of Z. Seeds are available from Botanical Interests. No two flowers are exactly alike, adding a sense of whimsy to garden beds and arrangements.

This cultivar of Z. Find seeds at Botanical Interests. Cherry red single blooms with yellow centers are about two and a half inches across, and grow on 12 to inch stems. Plants spread 12 to 18 inches wide. A newer Z. Tall plants can reach 30 to 40 inches in height, making this an excellent cut flower, and the coral, peach, and lime flowers grow to be about three inches across.

Fully double Z. Under ideal conditions, these plants can sometimes reach sky-high heights of 48 inches, so plan accordingly! Plants have a spread of 12 to 18 inches, and you can expect blooms within 60 to 80 days after germination. This tetraploid mix is known for its tall stature as well as its disease resistance, and it can hold its own against powdery mildew and Alternaria.

Plants reach just ten to 12 inches tall, with a six to eight-inch spread. A complete list of edible flowers can be found on the website. Want to master Microsoft Excel and take your work-from-home job prospects to the next level?

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