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Description
Zinnia Elegans Inca is a beautiful and vibrant annual flowering plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is native to Mexico but is now widely cultivated all over the world for its strikingly colorful flowers. The plant can grow up to 24 inches in height and 18 inches in width. It blooms from June to October and produces large double flowers that come in various shades of red, pink, orange, purple, white, and even green. The flowers are long-lasting and can be used as cut flowers for floral arrangements.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Phylum: | Spermatophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Genus: | Zinnia |
Appearance
Zinnia Elegans Inca has a bushy habit and produces numerous flowers that can be up to 4 inches in diameter. The flowers are double or semi-double with overlapping petals that give them a full and fluffy appearance. The leaves of the plant are green and lance-shaped, and they grow opposite each other on the stem. The flowers of Zinnia Elegans Inca come in a variety of colors, including red, pink, orange, purple, white, and green. The plant can grow up to 24 inches in height and 18 inches in width.
Care Guide
Zinnia Elegans Inca is a relatively easy plant to care for, and it can thrive in various growing conditions. Here are some care tips for this plant:- Water: Zinnia Elegans Inca requires moderate watering, and the soil should be kept evenly moist. However, overwatering can lead to root rot, so it’s essential to provide proper drainage.- Fertilization: The plant can benefit from regular fertilization, and a balanced fertilizer can be applied every two weeks during the growing season.- Soil: Zinnia Elegans Inca prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A pH level of 6.0 to 7.5 is ideal for this plant.- Sunlight: The plant requires full sun exposure to produce abundant flowers. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can lead to leggy growth and fewer blooms.- Hardiness Zones: Zinnia Elegans Inca is a warm-season plant and can grow in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Zinnia Elegans Inca can be susceptible to some pests and diseases, including:- Aphids: These small insects can feed on the plant’s sap and cause stunted growth and yellowing leaves.- Whiteflies: These tiny pests can cause leaf yellowing and curling and can spread viral diseases.- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white powdery coating on the leaves and flowers, which can lead to stunted growth and reduced flowering.To prevent these pests and diseases, it’s essential to maintain good plant hygiene and provide proper growing conditions.
Habitat
Zinnia Elegans Inca is native to Mexico and Central America, where it grows in open fields and along roadsides. The plant prefers warm and sunny climates and can tolerate some drought conditions. It can grow in various soil types, as long as they are well-draining and rich in organic matter.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water Zinnia Elegans Inca?
A: The plant requires moderate watering, and the soil should be kept evenly moist. However, overwatering can lead to root rot, so it’s essential to provide proper drainage.Q: Can Zinnia Elegans Inca grow in shade?
A: The plant requires full sun exposure to produce abundant flowers. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can lead to leggy growth and fewer blooms.Q: What is the blooming period of Zinnia Elegans Inca?
A: The plant blooms from June to October and produces large double flowers that come in various shades of red, pink, orange, purple, white, and even green.Q: How tall does Zinnia Elegans Inca grow?
A: The plant can grow up to 24 inches in height and 18 inches in width.
Related Plants
Other plants in the Zinnia genus include:- Zinnia elegans ‘Benary’s Giant’- Zinnia haageana ‘Old Mexico’- Zinnia angustifolia ‘Star White’
References
– “Zinnia Elegans Inca.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 21 September 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a940.- “Zinnia Elegans Inca.” University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension. Accessed 21 September 2021. https://wimastergardener.org/article/zinnia-elegans-inca/.- “Zinnia Elegans Inca.” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed 21 September 2021. https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/62792/Zinnia-elegans-Inca/Details.
