HEIRLOOM. Introduced from Mexico in 1800, zinnias have become an all-American favorite. They come in many heights and colors and are unequaled as cut flowers. The zinnia's march to glory began around 1875, when double "dahlia" flowered types were developed. The plant quickly became popular even though only 1/3 of the flowers in a packet would come true. By 1900, there were giant doubles, dwarf doubles and miniatures. Colors still were undependable, however. By the '20s and '30s, Burpee breeders solved the problems. The resulting plants were even more beautiful, beginning with the introduction of large cactus-flowered types.

4" flowers with quilled, slightly twisted petals. Scarlet, rose, orange, yellow. Ht. 30". Burpee's "breakthrough" zinnias.