Baby zinnia is an annual plant up to 40 cm tall, with erect and well-branched stems. Leaves are sessile, elongated or lanceolate, giving the bush a neat appearance.
Flower heads are simple or semi-double, 2.5 to 4 cm in diameter, available in a variety of colors. Blooming lasts all summer – from June until the first frost, with each flower lasting on the plant for up to 35 days. Plants prefer fertile soil and sunny locations; prolonged drought may cause flower heads to become smaller.
Sowing is done in April after the threat of frost: seeds are sown at a depth of 0.5–1 cm, and planted seedlings are spaced 20–35 cm apart. After the last spring frosts, they can be transplanted into the flowerbed. Zinnia is widely used in flowerbeds, borders, large mass plantings, and for cut flowers; its blooms retain their brightness in water for a long time if stem ends are dipped in hot water.
Overall, the plant is undemanding: it loves light, warmth, and is drought-tolerant, making it an ideal choice for summer gardens and bouquets.
