New and old fall zinnias named Texas Superstars
“These are very colorful plants that we’re promoting for fall use,” said Dr. Brent Pemberton, AgriLife Research ornamental horticulturist and head of the Texas Superstar board, Overton. “They have all the fall colors you would want to see: oranges, apricots and yellows.”
Texas Superstar plants undergo extensive tests throughout the state by AgriLife Research and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service horticulturists, Pemberton said.
To be designated a Texas Superstar, a plant must not just be beautiful but also perform well for consumers and growers throughout Texas. Superstars must also be easy to propagate, which should ensure the plants are not only widely available throughout Texas but reasonably priced, as well, he said.
Fall zinnias and chrysanthemums have similar attributes and can be used in much the same ways, Pemberton said. But whereas chrysanthemums may only flower for several weeks, and then only if the weather is cool, fall zinnias tolerate Texas heat well and will display color until the first frost, if properly watered and fertilized.
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