This year I think I'm going to try growing Sanvitalia / Creeping Zinnia from seed for containers and Flower Pouches. Has anyone tried this before? Just how early do I need to start it?

Also, there are quite a few varieties available from seed. I'm leaning toward Irish Eyes, but am open to suggestions. Does anyone have experience with it or others like Mandarin Orange, the Sprite Series or Aztec Gold? Which has been the best in containters?

Finally, can Sanviatalia really bloom well in shade?

Thanks for your help,

LianeNY

Sanvitalia procumbens aka Mexican Creeping Zinnia isn't really a zinnia -- I think I recall that it's fairly closely related Rudbeckia. It's a low growing plant with a habit that's supposed to be good for containers, window boxes, flower pouches, etc. Keep in mind I haven't actually grown it myself -- I haven't been able to find it offered locally.

It's supposed to be heat and drought tolerant, which would make it perfect for a couple of difficult spots I've got. It is also supposed to tolerate some shade, but I've seen conflicting recommendations about amount of sun for best bloom. That's one question I was hoping someone could answer!

I'm leaning toward Sanvitalia 'Irish Eyes' which has orange flowers with a green eye (check out a picture via the link below). There are other varieties with yellow or orange flowers with brown or black eyes -- some varieties claim to be at least partially double flowered.

If anyone can share their experience with this plant, I'd appreciate it!

LianeNY

It's a very cheerful plant, covered with tiny (maybe 1"?) flowers in summer. It can be a bit spindly; but I think if I'd pinched back the seedlings early, they would have been bushier. Or maybe I should just have put more in the pot.

At any rate, I grew them in a windowbox on my all-day-sun railing. It can get pretty hot and dry there sometimes. The sanvitalia were planted under the "shade" of upright petunias and spikes, but got a good shot of midday sun. They trailed very nicely over the edges of the windowbox and flowered very well.

So I'd say they were pretty heat and drought tolerant, and grow OK in some shade. Just plant them in "bunches" if you want a full, lush look.

The foliage stayed nice and green throughout, too - they should look great in the flower pouches.

PV

Thanks for your response -- you gave me the info I was looking for.

When I'm not personally familiar with a plant, I'm never certain if I should believe the catalog hype.... Hopefully I'll some great container shots to post this summer.

Thanks again,

LianeNY