Zinnia marylandica Zahara Starlight Rose

Half-Hardy Annual

• Ideal for : Borders
• Height : 12 inches - 18 inches

Description

Truly spectacular 2010 AAS award-winning bedding plant! The pretty white flowers with an attractive pinky-rose centre are 6cm (2.5in) across when fully open. Bushy, dwarf plants flower freely and are so tolerant of such conditions as heat, humidity and drought that they were planted extensively in floral displays at the Beijing Olympics.

Non-stop-flowering Zinnia Zahara Starlight Rose follows on from the success of Zahara Yellow and will similarly attract beneficial insects, such as butterflies, to the garden. A real ‘must’ for borders this season!

Sowing Instructions

Sow March to May. Sow seed in individual pots or module trays of moist seed compost and cover with a very fine sprinkling of compost or vermiculite. Place container in a propagator or warm place, and keep at a temperature of between 20-25C (68-77F). After sowing, do not exclude light as this helps germination. Keep the surface of the compost moist but not waterlogged; germination will usually take 10-24 days.

Can also be sown once the outdoor soil has warmed, 3mm (1/8in) deep in drills 30cm (12in) apart in well-cultivated soil which has been raked to a fine tilth. When large enough to handle, thin out seedlings to 23cm (9in) apart.

Growing Instructions

When well grown, gradually acclimatise young plants to outdoor conditions for a few weeks before planting out after all risk of frost, 23-30cm (9-12in) apart, taking care not to damage the root system.