History of Zinnias

With origins from warmer climates around the regions of Mexico and extending throughout South Central USA, this beautiful genus contains annuals, perennials and shrubs. Zinnias have a stunning array of double and semi-double flower forms, making them a showy addition to our Australian summer gardenscape.

Zinnias belong to the Asteraceae family, which makes them a relative to sunflowers and daisies. They also enjoy a warm and sunny position in order to produce a long display of cheery blooms. Natural colour and form variation within the variety offers every flower a uniqueness, with the same wonderful qualities shared by all zinnias.

Known as far back as the times of the Aztecs, the zinnia has symbolised meanings such as lasting friendship, lasting affection, goodness and remembrance. Once known as wildflowers of these regions, zinnias have been cultivated over many years to become a flower with many forms.

The ornamental value of these species has long been recognised, with many breeders selecting seed from the most desired colour combination specimens for the cut flower industry, especially zinnia elegans and zinnia angustifolia.