Zinnia elegans Isabellina will produce loads of soft, buttery yellow blooms. The flowers are borne on long stems, which makes it a perfect zinnia for the cut flower garden. The pale yellow colour is a great addition to cut flower arrangements. Plant some extras for the butterflies- they love zinnias too!

SOWING:

Indoors: March to April

Start indoors four to six weeks before the last frosts. Use trays or pots and sowing compost. Seeds should be spaced at least 2.5cm (1in) apart. The seeds need light to germinate, so “just cover” the seeds with a sprinkling of fine soil. Keep soil moist during germination.

When plants are 3 to 5cm (1 to 2in) in height, transplant to 7cm (3in) pots and grow on. Gradually acclimatize indoor started seedlings outdoors after all danger of frost has passed and weather has warmed considerably. Plant out 25 to 30cm (10 to 12in) apart.

Sowing Outdoors in April to July

Add compost and all-purpose fertilizer before sowing.

Sow seeds after the last frost, and in an area with full sun. Sow seeds 5 to 7cm (2 to 3in) apart in rows 30cm (12in) apart. Cover seeds with soil; they need light to germinate. Keep soil moist until seeds germinate, in 5 to 10 days. When 5cm (2in) tall, thin the seedlings to 25 to 30cm (10 to 12in) apart.

Grow in fertile, rich, and well-drained soil

Germinate within 7–14 days.