Zinnia elegans (Johnny’s Ballerinas)
Zinnias are an amazing flower, so easy, yet so rewarding! Once started, they require little care, except watering a bit during really bad drought (dense planting and mulch go a long way to mitigate this). The only other thing you could do to help them thrive is to cut for bouquets regularly, as these are true “cut and come again” plants.
Watching the flowers in my garden, the zinnias were always the most popular with the butterflies and hummingbirds, and they performed well through the drought!
A lovely mix of pastel colours, this zinnia, bred by Johnny’s, grows 4–6″ flowers in a blend of soft pink and pale peaches, with a mix of both dahlia- and cactus-type blooms. Produces a high percentage of double blooms as well. May contain a few off-types of ivory, dark pink, or yellow, adding even more interest in the mix.
I am planning on trying my hand at creating some new colours from this one, so check back next year for some surprises 😊
Plant Type: Annual
Height: 120cm (48″)
Sun: Full Sun
Sow: Indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost, or direct seed into prepared beds after the last frost.
Transplant: Harden off and transplant after the last frost
Days to Maturity: 75-90 days
Plant Spacing: 25-30cm (9-12″)
Pinch: Yes
Vase Life: 6-8 days
Potential Harvest Yield: 10-15 stems per plant or more
