Zinnia
Common Names: Zinnia
Botanical names: Zinnia, (ZIN-ee-ah)
Availability: May through October; peak supplies July through August
Vase life: 4 to 5 days
Storage temperatures: 36 - 38 degrees Fahrenheit
Ethylene Sensitive: No
Description: Flowers of the Zinnia are found in a multitude of shapes and sizes. Most common are the multi-petaled ball shaped blossoms and the daisy shaped blossoms. Blossom sizes range from 1/2 inch across to 3 inches across.
Color: Orange, red, rust, white, yellow, pink, lavender and purple
Botanical facts: The flower was named after Johann Gottfried Zinn (1727-1759).
Design notes: Zinnias are a wonderful, highly colorful mass flower for summer arrangements.
Purchasing hints: Purchase Zinnias as tight buds showing color, or just opened blossoms. Centers of open blossoms should not be developed or shedding pollen. Avoid any Zinnias showing evidence of powdery mildew on stems or leaves.
Conditioning: Remove all foliage that will be below the water line. Cut stem ends with a sharp knife. Hydrate in a solution of water and commercial floral food for two hours before storage or usage.
Additional notes: The stem of the Zinnia is hollow and weak just below the blossom. Cut a short piece of wire and push it through the center of the blossom, through the hollow stem and into the stronger part of the stem to support the blossom. Once the hollow stem has bent, discard the flower as the blossom can no longer receive water. When designing with zinnias, remove most the foliage. The foliage does not last well and will not last as long as the blossom.
Video Demonstration: