Anne Pattullo

A number of zinnia varieties have been selected as Texas Superstars. They are listed as fall zinnias because they do best when planted in late summer for an extended fall bloom.

Zinnia elegans, or common zinnia, is one of the best-known. Two varieties — Dreamland and Magellan — were selected by the Superstar program. Both offer large flowers on bushy 12- to 14-inch plants. They come in a wide range of colors and can be singles or doubles.

These zinnias need to be deadheaded to continue vigorous flowering. They are susceptible to disease, especially powdery mildew and spider mites when planted in the spring. When planted in late summer these issues are rarely a problem.

Give Zinnia elegans full sun, good air circulation and moderate to dry conditions and it will perform beautifully until frost.

Two hybrid varieties chosen are Profusion and Zahara. Both are smaller-flowered, bushy plants with a wide range of colors. They are highly disease-resistant and very uniform in size and shape.

Both series grow about 12 inches high with the same spread. Zahara has slightly larger blooms at 2 ½ inches, but both varieties are highly mildew-resistant, disease-resistant and have self-cleaning blooms. Profusion and Zahara zinnias make a showy border that will give you great color until frost.

The Smith County Master Gardener program is a volunteer organization in connection with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service.