Unusual flowers that are ideal for cutting. Position: full sun Soil: moderately fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil Rate of growth: average to fast-growing Flowering period: June to August Hardiness: tender annual (will die after flowering) The large, dark-eyed flowers of this award-winning zinnia are packed with short petals, which form a dome-shaped cluster that is surrounded by a ruff of longer petals. Appearing throughout the summer, they look stunning when woven through a a sunny border, and their tall, slender stems and long vase life, makes them ideal for cutting.
Garden care: For early flowers, sow under glass in early spring. Fill a seed tray or pot with good quality compost and space the seeds at 2.5cm intervals and just cover with a sprinkling of compost. Water moderately and when the seedlings are large enough to handle pot on and harden off before planting outside.
Alternatively sow thinly outside in a sunny bed after all risk of frost has passed. Thin to 25cm as they grow on. Sowing several batches with a couple of weeks in between each will ensure the flowering period stretches from early summer to the first frosts.
Sow: March to June Flowering: June-September Approximate quantity: 20 seeds.