Thanks for mentioning me, Jeannette! I actually spoke with Dr Gioia Massa, the NASA scientist behind the space zinnia experiment, and the main reason they were grown was to demonstrate that the Veggie growing system was capable of supporting flower growth, which is important for flowering crops such as tomatoes, peppers and peas. So it was a proper scientific experiment. But the aesthetic aspects were also important, and Gioia said that she trialled a lot of flowers before going with the zinnias, partly because they just wouldn't stop flowering, and partly because - unlike some of the other candidates - they didn't shed pollen or dead petals that would float around inside the space station and cause problems. And she also said - which I love - that she chose a 5-colour mix, so both she and the astronauts would be surprised by the colours that grew!
Thanks for mentioning me, Jeannette! I actually spoke with Dr Gioia Massa, the NASA scientist behind the space zinnia experiment, and the main reason they were grown was to demonstrate that the Veggie growing system was capable of supporting flower growth, which is important for flowering crops such as tomatoes, peppers and peas. So it was a proper scientific experiment. But the aesthetic aspects were also important, and Gioia said that she trialled a lot of flowers before going with the zinnias, partly because they just wouldn't stop flowering, and partly because - unlike some of the other candidates - they didn't shed pollen or dead petals that would float around inside the space station and cause problems. And she also said - which I love - that she chose a 5-colour mix, so both she and the astronauts would be surprised by the colours that grew!
That's awesome! And I love how there are so many cool projects like this.
Lovely 🥰