Zinnia elegans Lilliput Scarlet Gem Seeds

Zinnia elegans 'Lilliput Scarlet Gem' is a variety with pompom flowers, forming small balls of a beautiful scarlet red. This annual plant is herbaceous and of medium size, blooming generously from July to the first frost, on stiff stems. This zinnia produces excellent cut flowers. Sow indoors in March-April or directly in the ground in May.

Zinnia elegans 'Lilliput Scarlet Gem' belongs to the large family of Asteraceae. The plant quickly forms a tuft that is 50 to 60 cm tall and 25 cm wide. Its stiff and well-branched stems bear large, round and pointed pale green leaves. This elegant zinnia gets its name from the small size of its flowers (3 to 4 cm in diameter). The terminal, solitary flowers are compound heads made up of florets with broad petals forming pretty hemispherical pompoms. The non-fragrant flowers nonetheless attract butterflies that come to feed on their nectar.

Zinnia prefers a warm and sunny location. Its water requirements are quite low, and it thrives in well-drained soil. Zinnia elegans 'Lilliput Scarlet Gem' has a bushy habit that makes it suitable for use at the front of borders, just behind low-growing plants. It can also be planted in containers on the terrace. Combine it in your borders with Marigolds, African Daisies, Ageratum, and Red Salvias. These Zinnia Pompon flowers, carried by stiff stems, have excellent vase life and create colourful summer bouquets.