Zinnia elegans with Dahlia-like flowers in mix seeds

From the large Asteraceae family, the Dahlia-flowered Zinnia is a vigorous annual plant (90 cm (35.4 in) tall and 25 cm (9.8 in) wide) that produces numerous flowers from July to the first frost. It is the most well-known of the Zinnias.

Its stiff and well-branched stems bear large, pale green, rounded and pointed leaves. The giant flowers are 12 to 15 cm (5.9 in) in diameter, terminal, and solitary, displaying bright and vibrant colors: scarlet red, bright pink, yellow, orange, white.

The flowers are imbricate capitula with large overlapping petals, resembling fish scales. The slightly rounded flowers have a certain resemblance to the Dahlia flower, which is why they are called that.

Originally from the southern United States and Mexico, the Elegant Zinnia is sometimes called the Giant California Zinnia.

Its slender bushy shape makes it suitable for planting in the middle of flower beds. It prefers a warm and sunny location. Its water needs are quite low, and it thrives in well-drained soil. Although the flowers are not scented, they still attract butterflies that come to feed on their nectar.

The stiff stems of the Giant Zinnia have excellent vase life and can be used to create colorful summer bouquets.