This year, for the first time ever, I am growing zinnias. I bought a packet of Granny's Bouquet from Renee's Garden. I think I will start keeping track of how long each flower lasts. There is a shaggy orange one that was flowering beside a different kind of plant that has stopped flowering, and Shaggy still looks great. I don't mean that this zinnia plant is still flowering with new flowers. It is the same original flower that has been blooming over a week. It has made me think of those intricately patterned bulb flowers in South Africa which would remain open for just a few hours. I wonder why there is such a difference in longevity. I know that winter flowers last quite long, probably because pollinators aren't out doing their job unless the weather is warm, and it usually isn't. However, zinnias are a summer flower. I wonder if there is something about Mexico that requires long-lasting flowers. Has anyone made note of long-lasting bulb flowers? Diane Whitehead Victoria, British Columbia, Canada maritime zone 8, cool Mediterranean climate mild rainy winters, mild dry summers