Sanvitalia procumbens Seeds | Creeping Zinnia
LATIN NAME: Sanvitalia procumbens
COMMON NAME: Creeping Zinnia
Plant Profile
Sanvitalia procumbens, commonly known as Creeping Zinnia, is a species with a long record in gardens. Plant quickly develops a rounded crown, often reaching 5-10 metres. It is happiest in full sun and light, free-draining soil. At maturity it stands about 5-10 metres. In combination, these characteristics make a persuasive case for growing it.
Science & Biotechnology
Sanvitalia procumbens sits in the Sanvitalia group, a group that keeps botanists, horticulturists and plant breeders busy with questions of classification, adaptation and ornamental potential. Creeping zinnia has a real and distinguished place in the research. Modern propagation practice has made this species straightforward to raise by ordinary good methods.
Uses & Benefits
Beyond its ornamental appeal, Creeping Zinnia has the practical versatility that makes a plant worth growing from seed year after year. Ecologically, creeping zinnia is a generous plant of the garden. Its many small, bright-yellow, daisy-like flowers feed bees and butterflies, and its fine, low, mat-forming growth gives a neat, sunny cover to border and the container. For a grower, creeping zinnia is an easy and cheerful annual, and for a gardener it brings a bright-yellow, daisy-flowered, low plant to sunny border. Mature plants need little attention in a well-chosen position.
Like the best garden herbs, it rewards growers twice: once in the garden with scent and pollinators, and again in the home as a traditional household herb.
Growing from Seed
Seed is the natural starting point for Creeping Zinnia, and the process is uncomplicated. Sow evenly over the surface and cover lightly into a loose, well-drained seed compost, water in gently, and keep the sowing in full sun with steady moisture. The seed responds well to a cool, moist stratification period, which helps it break dormancy evenly. Shift the seedlings into small pots as soon as they can be handled, and give them bright light until planting-out time.
Our Take
Creeping Zinnia earns its space through character rather than fuss. The seed responds well to a spell of cold stratification, a small step that pays off.
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