ZINNIAS -- QUEEN RED LIME and TEQUILA LIME BEAUTIES

These 4-6" zinnias were planted by seed in early spring, after all danger of frost had passed. I was very pleased with their growth and vigor.

Pictured here are the variables in their bloom. "Queen Red Lime" zinnia has a beautiful rose-red center, with variable petals of pink, rose, and lime. No two are identical. "Tequila Lime" zinnia, a lime green bloom, has single, semi-double and fully double blooms. I love the center of it as well--fluffy little petaloids of creamy white.The colors of these two varieties compliment each other, and I am happy with them.

These sun-loving plants are annuals.  Seed may be saved after the flower has bloomed and dried on the stem.  Just shake the dried bloom over an envelope and the very tiny seeds will fall out.  I store mine in the refrigerator until I plant them the following spring, after all chance of frost has passed.

I purchased the seeds from an online nursery. This is the perfect time to order seeds. Free shipping is available on most sites.

ZINNIAS, MUMS AND DAHLIAS -- OUTSTANDING COLOR IN FALL ARRANGEMENTS

"Queen Red Lime" zinnia is a new variety for me. Planted from seed this spring, the 4" blooms are showy and beautiful.

I was smitten when I saw this picture in a seed catalog and knew I had to order! As you can see, there is a variety of color in the blooms--from primarily lime green to the raspberry red color. I found mine didn't have this variety, but I only had a small sampling of plants.

I used a combination of State Fair zinnias in a rose-red color and yellow "Kelvin Floodlight" and a rosy purple garden mum for the arrangement.

The arrangement is pictured after a week, and so you can see it held up well. I am still on the fence as to what to put "Queen Red Lime" with--it is rather 'muddy' and I wasn't quite happy with the results of this arrangement. I've ordered more seeds for this year and will continue experimenting with color combinations that are more pleasing.