Zinnia

Another one I like.
Was always a problem to grow, I found.
My sister had some real good ones last summer.

Again thinking they have come up with strains more suited to the UK climate.

Can remember when fibrous begonias were hit and miss from seed, now days they are a doddle.

 

Another sun and heat lover @fat controller. A heated prop is best for good germination and not too damp when growing on. One of those plants for a 'hot' bed (as in full sun) as they have such strong colours.
Not the easiest of bedding plants to grow, like Salpiglossis, they can be prone to wilt but if you like a challenge........

 

I grew these in pots and from seed I collected. They were very easy to grow and they were hung in full sun from about noon through sundown.

 

Personally I dont think there is much between the two regarding conditions.

Salpiglosis probably have more flowers, but Zinnia flowers last longer.

If you just want reliable colour, bedding Dahlias might fit the bill.

 

Although, unless you have someone looking around who knows, the Zinnias will look like Dahlias, with less foliage.

 

Hi FC,
I've never had any problem with Zinnias. Just give them a lot of sin and they'll be good.
As Pete says they are almost identical to Dahlias when they're open but less squishy.

 

Sorry..... * sun *

( although you can let them * sin * if you want to )

 

How about Nicotiana or Antirrhinum's FC. Nicotiana are smothered in flowers right through to early autumn and some are perfumed.

 

I'm no good with Begonias either. Calendula are good to flower but they can suffer from mildew.

 

If you want scent as well, how about Carnations. They'll flower well from an early sowing, especially " Chabaud " or the "Knight " series.

 

If you want a long bloomer with daisy-like blooms what about Coriopsis?

Certain Campanula and Penstemon species bloom for a long time and are hardy. Likewise Salvia greggii and S.microphylla.