Zinnia Angustifolia

2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38

Zinnia angustifolia (lat. Zinnia angustifolia) - flower culture; a herbaceous annual of a large genus Zinnia of the Asteraceae family. Mexico is considered to be the homeland of the species. It also grows there in natural conditions. Another name is Hage. The culture is actively used by flower growers and gardeners, and also participates in breeding. Today, there are many varieties on the garden market that can boast of high decorative properties.

Characteristics of culture

Narrow-leaved zinnia is represented by annual herbaceous plants that form profusely branched bushes during growth, which do not exceed 40-50 cm in height. Shoots, in turn, are endowed with sessile, elongated, lanceolate foliage ending with a sharp tip. The foliage is 5-6 cm wide.

Inflorescences are small baskets, as a rule, 2-4 cm. They (depending on the variety) are simple, semi-double or double. The ligulate flowers are dark or bright orange, usually with rich red tips. The tubular flowers are brown or with a black tint.

Flowering is observed during the summer. Usually begins in the third decade of June and ends with frosts. Fruiting of zinnia angustifolia is active. The fruits are represented by flattened oval-wedge-shaped achenes. Seeds are small, viable for two years.

Common varieties

Among the varieties that are popular among gardeners and gardeners, the Sombrero variety should be noted. It is characterized by simple red-brown inflorescences-baskets, the ligulate flowers of which are endowed with an orange border.

The Glorienschein variety has also proven itself. It is characterized by double inflorescences, the tubular flowers of which are orange in color, and the reed flowers are red-brown. The variety is famous for its abundant flowering, of course, under favorable growing conditions and proper care.

It is impossible not to note the mixtures of varieties filled with bright inflorescences that form lush rugs in the process of growth. For example, the Persian Carpet variety is characterized by medium-sized inflorescences, the lingual flowers of which are brown, yellow and red in color with rich tips. Candy Stripe can boast of similar characteristics.

The inflorescences, endowed with ligulate flowers of yellow, white and orange color, are characterized by the variety Classic. She, in turn, is the brainchild of English breeders. The bushes themselves, in the process of growth, reach only 30 cm, they are rather weak, but moderately branched, sometimes creeping, due to which they are able to form quite lush and abundantly flowering bushes.

Growing features

It is important to remember that zinnias, including the species in question, are quite demanding plants. They prefer a sunny location and a warm climate. Frosts are detrimental to the culture, even minor ones. Plants and commonwealth with cold northern winds do not tolerate, therefore, crops should be planted in areas protected from the wind.

Soils are desirable fertile, loose, light, non-saline, non-swampy, neutral. Heavy, clayey, dry and poor soils will negatively affect the health of narrow-leaved zinnia, just like overly moist soils. On the latter, the culture is susceptible to attack by pests and damage by dangerous diseases that can lead to inevitable death.

It is recommended to fertilize the crop with both mineral and organic fertilizers. At the same time, it is preferable to apply organic matter in the fall when preparing the site. If this manipulation is carried out in the spring, it is worth using only rotted compost. Fresh manure cannot be used in the spring. Watering, in turn, can be sparse, but abundant. With prolonged drought, the plants will lose their former decorative properties.