HO-104
Yard and Garden
HORTICULTURE DEPARTMENT COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE PURDUE UNIVERSITY LAFAYETTE, INDIANA 47907
THE ZINNIA
E. R. Honeywell
To anyone who has experienced the thrill of the old-fashioned garden, the zinnia, commonly referred to as ''Youth-and-Old-Age,'' "Poorhouse Flower," "Everybody's Flower," "Old Faithful," and the "Garden Cinderella" needs little introduction. Similar to the majority of the flowers common to such gardens, the zinnia was not selected and grown primarily for its intrinsic beauty or rarity, but because it could be easily grown.
Although the flowers were stiff, crude and gaudy and the foliage was coarse and heavy as originally grown, its ability to withstand various adverse conditions and neglect and, at the same time, flower freely throughout the summer, warranted respect.
Recently, enthusiasts who have closely associated themselves with actual garden operations have seen many interesting changes in this flower. It has become modernized to such an extent that many kinds are delicate, refined and graceful. Color enthusiasts have also found many unusual color combinations which have greatly aroused their interest.
These changes, which have become so apparent during the last two decades, have not been accidental, but have been brought about through determined efforts on the part of a few plant breeders. These individuals had foresight in believing that what had been accomplished with the chrysanthemum, dahlia, and similar plants could also be done with the zinnia. This accomplishment has been most difficult, for in contrast to the chrysanthemum and dahlia, there have been no national or state organizations to sponsor or stimulate interest in its development.
One of the greatest steps in the improvement of the zinnia occurred in 1919 when a new strain, known as the Dahlia Flowered type, was introduced to the public. In 1924, the Dahlia type was awarded a gold medal and an Award of Merit by the Royal Horticultural Society of England at whose show it was considered to be the most outstanding improvement in flower development.
That thezinnia has been abletowin its wayto its present popularity, despite the prejudices which existed for so many years against it, is best expressed by the fact that it was selected as the State Flower of Indiana in 1931. (The General Assembly of the State of Indiana on March 3, 1931, adopted the zinnia (Zinnia elegansjas the State flower. The Peony (Paeonia) was later adopted as official State flower by the 1957 General Assembly). It has now become more widely grown and there has been an increased demand for more information pertaining to its culture.

Early history
Although the zinnia is decidedly an American flower, it is gaining favor in many lands. Similar to the dahlia, its native habitat is in Mexico, although a few species occur in Texas, Colorado and in limited numbers in similar regions. The plant was first reported by Dr. Johann G. Zinn, 1727-1759, professor of medicine at Gottingen, Germany, and was named zinnia in his honor.
Cooperative Extension Work in Agriculture and Home Economics, State ot Indiana. Purdue University and U. S, Department of Agriculture Cooperating. H. G. Diesslin, Director, West Lafayette. Ind. Issued in furtherance of the Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914.