Polar Bear Zinnia 100 Seeds
These fluffy white pom-poms hail from Mexico, which makes it a bit funny that they're called Polar Bear Zinnia, right? They won't thrive in the Arctic, but they're an annual that does great in most other places. You can enjoy them in your garden or use them as cut flowers.
The earliest botanical records of this plant are found in the notes of Spanish botanists Mocino and Sesse, who stumbled upon this species in the wilds of southern Mexico back in 1789. The name "zinnia" is a nod to German botanist and professor Johann Gottfried Zinn, who was one of the first to cultivate this species after its discovery. In the Victorian language of flowers, zinnias represent thoughts of a friend who's far away.
Latin Name: Zinnia elegans
Species Origin: Introduced US Flower
Type: Garden Flowers
Life Cycle: Annual
USDA Zones: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
US Regions: California, Mountain, Arid/Desert, Plains/Texas, Midwest, Northern, Northeast, Southeast
Seeds per Ounce: 4,250
Stratification: No Stratification
Germination Ease: No Stratification
Sunlight: Full Sun
Height: 36 Inches
Color: Pink
Bloom Season: Blooms Late Summer, Blooms Early Fall
Uses: Cut Flowers, Deer Resistant
Sowing: Direct sow in spring; this polar bear zinnia seed germinates best in warm soil. Plant just below the surface and keep the soil lightly moist until germination, which usually occurs within 7-10 days. Seedlings do not transplant well.
Growing: Water seedlings regularly until they become established, but do not over water. Though they flourish with occasional watering in dry weather, mature plants tolerate some drought. This plant grows best in rich soil, and may need light fertilization for best blooming. Pinch off the growing stems to encourage bushiness, and deadhead to prolong blooming. The polar bear white zinnia plant attracts butterflies and bees.
Harvesting: For cut flowers, choose stems with flowers that have just opened. Strip the foliage that will fall below the water level, and place in water immediately.
Seed Saving: After their petals drop off, the centers of the flowers will darken and develop tight clusters of seed at the base. As soon as the seed heads have turned dark brown, remove them and spread them out to dry for several days. Thresh the dried heads to separate the small, arrow-shaped seeds from the chaff. Store the cleaned polar bear zinnia seed in a cool, dry place.
