Growing Sanvitalia (Creeping Zinnia)

Botanical Name:

Sanvitalia procumbens

Life Cycle:

annual

Planting Time:

spring

Height:

4" to 16"

Exposure:

full sun

Soil:

loose, well-drained soil; fairly drought tolerant

Hardiness:

n/a

Bloom Time:

mid summer until fall frost

Flower:

yellow and orange

Foliage:

green

Propagation:

seeds

Suggested Use:

beds, borders, baskets, edging, and rock gardens

Growing Hints:

Sow seeds directly outdoors as soon as soil is warm or start indoors 6 to 8 weeks before your last frost date. The seeds need light to germinate so do not cover them with soil, just press them gently into the surface of the growing mix. Use individual peat pots for easy transplanting in order to avoid disturbing roots. Seedlings should be spaced 14" apart. Grows great in regions with how summers.

Interesting Facts:

The "Creeping Zinnia" nickname comes from the fact that Sanvitalia tend to "creep" along as they grow, and their flowers resemble those of zinnias.