Zinnias are indigenous to Mexico and Central America. The initial name given to them by the Aztecs was "plants that cause strain on the eyes" due to their vibrant and colorful blossoms. The term "Zinnia" originated from Johann Gottfried Zinn, a German professor of botany who stumbled upon these plants and introduced them to Europe during the 1700s. Over time, the original plants have undergone extensive breeding, resulting in a wide array of flower colors, plant shapes, and sizes. Nowadays, it is possible to purchase Zinnia seeds or plants that range from a modest 6 inches in height to an impressive 4 feet tall. These Zinnia varieties come in both single and double-petaled flowers, showcasing almost every color of the rainbow.
 
Zinnias are particularly well-suited for novice gardeners. Their seeds are large enough to be easily planted individually in holes, and they germinate rapidly in warm soil. Additionally, these plants grow quickly and reach the flowering stage in no time. Once they start blooming, even if you neglect to remove the spent flowers, zinnias, especially the newer hybrids, will continuously produce more blossoms until the arrival of frost.