(Zinnia elegans) Zinnias remain at the heart of the farmer/florist movement that is focusing on beautiful flowers that don't ship well and thus can create a creative niche and identity for local bouquets. Queen Lemon Peach is another winner with mostly doubled and semi doubled blooms that start creamy yellow and mature to more peachy tones. Magenta-rose centers provide beautiful contrast. Strong, vigorous plants afford cuts with long stems. 75-80 days. UO
Note: Take care to keep plants from becoming root-bound and be very gentle when transplanting. If desired, you may sow/transplant every 2 weeks for production flower farming.
PLANTING DEPTH:
1/4"
SPACING:
9-12" in rows 1.5-2' apart.
EMERGENCE:
3-7 days @ soil temp 75-85F
LIGHT:
Full sun to part shade
FERTILITY:
Medium. Tolerant to most soil types but prefers rich, evenly moist soil with a pH between 6.0-7.
ADDITIONAL NOTES:
While not absolutely necessary, you may provide a staking or netting to keep them upright and tidy.
Be gentle with the roots when transplanting to avoid stress that can cause more single (as opposed to doubled) flowers.
To encourage branching, pinch initial bud when 12" tall.
Zinnias appreciate some cooler time and/or shade.
Continue to cut and deadhead and the plant will be wildly floriferous!
