Zinnia in 6″Pot

Annuals (rarely short-lived perennials/sub-shrubs). Upright, branching stems 15 cm–1.2 m (6 in–4 ft) tall depending on cultivar (dwarfs <30 cm, giants to 1 m). Leaves are opposite, sessile (stalkless), lance-shaped to ovate, rough-hairy, mid-green. Solitary composite flower heads sit atop long stems; heads 3–15 cm (1–6 in) across, made of colorful ray florets (petals) surrounding smaller disc florets in the center. Forms range from single (one petal row, visible center) to semi-double and fully double (many petal rows, pom-pom/dahlia-like). Colors: every shade except true blue—white, cream, yellow, gold, orange, salmon, pink, rose, red, burgundy, lavender, purple, green, plus bicolors, stripes, and speckles. Bloom: early summer to first frost (June–October). Excellent pollinator plant (bees, butterflies, hummingbirds). Quick care: full sun (≥6–8 hrs) for strong stems and abundant bloom; shade leads to leggy growth and mildew. Prefers humus-rich, loamy, well-drained soil (pH 5.5–7.5); amend heavy clay with compost/sand for drainage. Sow seed directly after last frost (or start indoors 4–6 weeks early), 0.5 cm (¼ in) deep, 10–45 cm (4–18 in) apart depending on mature size. Germinates in 5–7 days. Water deeply 1–2 times per week, keeping soil evenly moist but not soggy; water at the base (avoid wetting foliage) to reduce disease. Thrives in heat (21–29 °C/70–85 °F daytime); frost-tender—plant out when soil ≥16 °C (60 °F). Feed lightly: compost or balanced fertilizer at planting, then every 4–6 weeks with a lower-nitrogen, higher-P/K formula (too much nitrogen = leafy growth, fewer blooms). Pinch young seedlings at 15–20 cm to encourage branching. Deadhead spent flowers (or cut for vases) to keep blooming. Space for air flow to prevent powdery mildew/leaf spots; choose resistant cultivars (e.g., ‘Profusion’, ‘Dreamland’, ‘Benary’s Giant’) in humid