Polar Bear Zinnia, Heirloom

Renee's Garden - These lovely old-fashioned “dahlia-flowering” zinnias have delighted gardeners for generations. Polar Bear's pure white, fully double, 4-inch flowers have golden centers that unfold into little yellow stars as the flowers mature. They are borne on long-stemmed, 3 1/2 to 4 foot, multi-branching plants that are excellent for cutting armfuls of blooms all summer long. Polar Bear's white-petaled flowers are a fabulous color accent in the garden and provide an abundance of beautiful and long-lasting bouquets. 

 Characteristics: 

Instructions - To start in the garden, sow seeds in well-worked soil in full sun when the danger of frost is past and the weather is warm and above 50°F (10°C) both day and night. Space seeds 2 to 3 inches apart in rows 12 inches apart, cover about 1/2 inch deep, and gently firm the soil. Keep soil evenly moist while awaiting germination.

To start early indoors, four weeks before the last frost date, sow seeds 1/2 inch deep and 3 inches apart in a container of seed starting mix. Keep warm and moist and provide a strong light source until seedlings are ready to plant outside when temperatures rise above 50°F (10°C) day and night.

Space seedlings 8-12 inches apart when large enough to handle to give plants room to mature and provide good air circulation. Zinnias grow readily in ordinary garden soil in full sun. For large and abundant flowers, thin before seedlings get crowded; adequate spacing and regular, even watering help keep zinnias productive and discourage mildew. Pick just as blossoms begin opening and petals are tight. Cut long stems well back into the plant to keep plants branching low and producing the best blooms for summer-long bouquets. 

• Plant in May-June for cold winters; April-June for mild winters
  
• Full sun 
• Space seeds 3" apart 
  
• Plant 1/2" deep 
  
• Days to germinate: 7-10 days 
• Mature Height: 3-3.5 feet 
  

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