NOTES:
To
qualify as a Supreme Variety Zin, the flower must meet certain standards: greater than 24
inches tall, with single, double, or pompon petal types 3-6 inches in diameter, with
extraordinary color. Disease resistance is a factor that we consider, but anyone who has
grown zinnias knows this is more a factor of climate than anything else. I've seen the
State Fair, California Giant, our own
Creamy (White) Pastels, and
Whirly Gig
not be as
disease resistant in mid-Michigan. For this, we use Immunox by Spectracide and organic
products if the season is non-threatening, whereas in Alabama, Virginia, the Carolinas,
and similar humid climates, growers will recommend a potent mixture called Bayleton.
NOTES: To
qualify as a VDZ Mini Zin, the plants must grow from 4-36 inches tall, have single,
double, or pompon petal types with diameters 1-3 inches in size, with extraordinary color.
The shorter varieties are much more prone to rust than the taller ones, as they are nearer
the ground and the dampness. But the taller ones are more apt to get the powdery mildew
blowing about on the winds. We have also noticed that rows planted north to south don't
fare as well in terms of resisting diseases as those running from west to east, in line
with the west winds coming across the plains. There seems to be a relationship, though I
am not quite sure what the scientific basis is for it! I just know next year all our rows
will be west to east!
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"To see life's
passages through the eyes of your heart is to know that all is happening exactly
as it was meant to." -- Flavia Weedn