The zinnia is known above all for its colourful flowers. Among seasonal flowers it is a beautiful and attractive one, though it has no scent. It is native to Mexico. Here are some facts about the zinnia.

The zinnia belongs to the Asteraceae family. Its flowers come in white, yellow, red, brown, purple, orange, green and other colours. Originally from Mexico, it is now grown all over the world. At least 20 species have been identified so far; the most common is Zinnia elegans.

Although the zinnia is a winter flower, it can be grown all year round. It is propagated from seed. Mid-June to October is the right time for sowing seed and raising seedlings. Sunny, well-drained, fertile loam suits it best; it does not do well in damp land.

Zinnia plants grow 60-70 cm tall with few branches. The leaves are small, greyish green and quite rough. Open flowers keep their beauty on the plant for a long time.

Flowers form at the tip of almost every branch and face upwards. The zinnia flower is made up of countless soft, pliant petals with the pollen in the centre. In its variety of shape and colour it can be compared with the dahlia and chrysanthemum.

As a cut flower for vases and bouquets it is unrivalled. The popular variety is the double flower, which looks exactly like a chrysanthemum. Zinnia seedlings can be found at nearby nurseries, and you can grow them on your rooftop or in pots on the balcony.

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.