Utah State University

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Zinnia grandiflora

Common Name   Desert Zinnia


Family  Compositae (Sunflower Family - Helianthus Tribe

 

Description
Light green and needle-like leaves contrast nicely with the vibrant yellow of the flower. Flowers stay on from midsummer until fall.

Range
Occurs naturally throughout the southern regions of the intermountain west. Elevation: 4,000 - 6,000ft.

Culture
Full sun. Prefers a dry, well-drained soil. Extremely dry-loving, will not tolerate moist conditions. Zones 4 - 7.

Value
Marvelous ground cover with a profusion of gold flowers that carpet the plant that is very drought tolerant. Needs very good drainage.

Propagation
Can be produced from seed, however there is a low germination rate. To start seed indoors soak in gibberillic acid 1:500 ppm for 5 hours. Rinse thoroughly. Sow in container and cover to depth. To start seed outdoors sow in a hot sunny location with good drainage. Cover well. For better germination of hand collected seed gently pull apart dried flower heads, petals and calyx.

 

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A thing is right when it tends to preserve the integrity, stability and beauty of the biotic community. It is wrong when it tends otherwise.

        Aldo Leopold