A new zinnia called 'Profusion White' is quickly turning into an international star. So far it has won a 2001 All-America Selections Gold Medal, as well as the Fleuroselect Gold Medal, the European equivalent of an All-America Selections award.
So what's all the hubbub about? This tough little show-off bears masses of 2 1/2-in. white, daisylike flowers from spring through fall on plants that resist powdery mildew (a disease that commonly afflicts zinnias). The plants look good tucked in the front of a sunny flower bed or grown as an edging, where they reach 8 to 12 in. high and spread
12 to 24 in. Other big pluses: 'Profusion White' thrives in heat and it adapts well to containers.
Sow seeds indoors 6 to 10 weeks before transplanting in the garden, or plant seeds or nursery seedlings outdoors when the soil warms up and danger of frost has passed. The plants need full sun to perform their best. Expect flowers about 60 to 65 days after sowing the seed.
For seed sources, point your browser to www.aaswinners.com. The nonprofit All-America Selections, headquartered in Downer's Grove, Illinois, evaluates seed-grown flowers and vegetables.
MORE INFO:
All-America Selections, 1311
Butterfield Rd., Suite 310
Dept. TH1200
Downers Grove, IL 60515-5605
www.all-americaselections.org
630/963-0770
