Red Spider Zinnia: Zinnia tenuifolia

Zinnia tenuifolia is native to Mexico. The name Zinnia is derived from the German botanist Johann Gottfried Zinn. Spanish explorers found that the Aztecs were growing zinnias in their gardens in Mexico City. Red Spider Zinnia is an annual flower that requires direct sun and well-drained soil. Plants grow up to 24" tall and 10" wide. These long-blooming, scarlet flowers are 1" wide, with dark cone centers. As cut flowers, they can last about a week indoors. Flowers attract bees and butterflies for pollination.

Directly sow seeds into the garden bed after the last frost date. Space seeds 6-18" apart. Cover seeds with 1/4" of soil and keep the soil moist but not wet. Do not cover. Once established, the Red Spider Zinnia readily self-sows. Seeds germinate in 10-14 days at soil temperatures between 75-80°F. Zones 3-10.