PLANT OF THE WEEK

ZINNIAS

HAILING from Mexico, these cheerful annuals provide bursts of pink, orange and red flowers. They are half-hardy so only grow outside around May time.

You can grow them under glass earlier in the year but they are difficult to transplant as their roots don’t like to be disturbed so an easier option is to sow in situ. Grow in full sunshine and well-drained soil. Deadhead to keep the flowers coming and the pollinators will be happy too.

Favourite varieties include the Queen Lime series which look a little like mini cactus dahlias and the fun bi-coloured Swizzle series which are very jolly in containers.