Zinnia elegans Queen Pure Orange seeds

Zinnia elegans 'Queen Pure Orange' is a variety of large Zinnia from the Queen or Queeny series, distinguished by its bold colouring. These flowers, resembling dahlia flowers, are very double or semi-double, blooming in shades of orange, apricot to mandarin. They are borne on strong stems that hold up well in bouquets. This annual blooms from June-July until the first frosts, depending on the sowing date.

Zinnia elegans is a robust annual belonging to the Asteraceae family, native to Mexico, and has given rise to many cultivars. 'Queen Pure Orange' was selected for the unique colour of its heads. The plant forms a well-branched clump, typically reaching 80 cm in height by 50 cm in width. Its stems are hollow but sturdy, adorned with rough and fuzzy, lanceolate to elliptical, medium green leaves. Flowering occurs from June-July to September-October, and it is nectar-rich and honey-producing. The flowers appear in the of the leaves, and they are very double, pompon-shaped, hemispherical but flattened, 6 cm wide heads composed of numerous spatulate petals, reminiscent of some dahlias. Their uniform colour ranges from apricot to mandarin, surrounding a red centre.

Zinnias are valued for their robustness, vibrant colours, and ease of cultivation, making them essential in the garden. These plants thrive in full sun and tolerate heat well, provided they are watered occasionally. They develop best in neutral, rich, well-drained soil, but also adapt to ordinary garden soil. Zinnias pair well with perennials like pink Rudbeckias and Baptisias, as well as with other annuals such as Moroccan linarias, Coreopsis, or Ammi visnaga. Pair the large 'Queen Pure Orange' zinnia with grasses like Pennisetums, tall annuals like Cleomes or Snapdragons. They can also be sown in pots to decorate terraces during the summer. Attracting bees and butterflies with their nectar, these plants promote biodiversity in the garden.