Zinnias are among the few bedding plants that will continue to perform throughout long, hot southern summers, all the way up to the first frost. Persian Carpet Zinnia is even more tolerant of heat, dry weather, and winds than is the common zinnia. Persian carpet flower is a double mix of cream, yellow, orange, and mahogany with contrasting colors at the tip of the petals.

SOWING

Season: Annual

Height: 18 inches (40cm)

Bloom Season: Summer autumn

Bloom Color: Yellow & Brown

Environment: Full sun

Indoors: March to April

Start indoors four to six weeks before the last frosts. Use trays or pots and sow 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 the 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.