zinnia elegans

Botanical Name: Zinnia elegans
Family: Asteraceae (Daisy family)

What We're Growing:
We grow vibrant zinnias in a spectrum of colors — from coral and fuchsia to golden yellow and deep crimson. They’re heat-loving, long-blooming flowers that bring life, color, and pollinators to our garden from late spring through first frost.

How We Use Them:
While zinnias aren’t used in our kitchen, they’re essential to our regenerative growing system. Their bold blooms attract bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects, supporting everything else we grow. The petals are technically edible and can be used decoratively in floral garnishes, though their true value is ecological.

Why They’re Good for You:
Zinnias support wellness from the ground up — by fostering biodiversity and resilience in the garden. Their presence encourages natural pollination, reduces pest pressure on food crops, and helps maintain a balanced ecosystem. The more biodiverse the soil and surroundings, the more nutrient-dense and energetically vibrant the food we grow.

In the Garden:
Zinnias thrive in full sun and tolerate poor soil, drought, and heat — making them ideal for Texas summers. Regular deadheading keeps them blooming for months, and their upright growth makes them perfect for cut flower arrangements. Zinnias are also easy to save seed from, encouraging seed sovereignty season after season.

Fun Fact:
In Mexican folk medicine, zinnias have been used as a topical wash for wounds and skin irritations due to their mild antimicrobial properties — making them as healing as they are beautiful.