I grew them last year and they were quite nice. I chose the zinnias because of the location - south facing under my front bay window - generally stifling hot so I figured zinnias would be a good fit. Of course, it didn't turn out to be such a warm summer but they still grew well. I grew the coral - a nice vibrant colour. I think for yellows and oranges that Marigolds would be easier than zinnias, and no I don't think you'd see a huge difference from a distance away. Zinnias can be started indoors. They sometimes are bothered by powdery mildew and can give a bit of grief if grown too wet in the seedling stage. On the plus side, zinnia flowers are very long lasting and come in pinks (no pink marigolds yet that I know of)

The Magellans are an excellent series. The blooms are way too nice to "just end up looking like marigolds" ... I'll often stand in front of them and just admire away! The Cherry is our favorite color within the series, though the Pink, Coral and Orange are also winners with us. Of course, they require heat to do their best and just don't hit their stride in a cool summer, last year not being the greatest for them in the Edmonton area.

The Profusions are more accepting of cooler summer weather. I especially like the double form of the series, the Golden is an amazing color, the White is also very nice and I'll now try the one called Fire ...

I've "spring sowed" (winter sowed in April) zinnias and had good luck with that.

Well, I ordered the Oklahoma Blend Zinnias yesterday and called this morning to add the Magellan Sunburst Mix to my order. What's another bag of seeds. =:)