First flower ever grown in space blooms

The zinnia flowers were chosen because they can help scientists understand how plants flower and grow in microgravity.

"Yes, there are other life forms in space!" said Nasa astronaut Scott Kelly from the International Space Station.
In December, the crop wasn't looking too good. Kelly tweeted a picture of the dying flowers stating he was going to have to channel a character from the movie, The Martian.  "Our plants aren't looking too good. Would be a problem on Mars. I'm going to have to channel my inner Mark Watney", he said.  

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The zinnia flowers weren't selected for their beauty. Instead the batch was chosen because they can help scientists understand how plants flower and grow in microgravity.
According to Nasa, two of the plants that were distressed died and were returned to Earth to be studied. But Kelly didn't lose hope. The remaining two plants continued to thrive, and have even had new shoots forming.  
A quick look at how the pretty zinnias bloomed in space:

Our plants aren't looking too good. Would be a problem on Mars. I'm going to have to channel my inner Mark Watney. pic.twitter.com/m30bwCKA3w
- Scott Kelly (@StationCDRKelly) December 27, 2015

Some of my space flowers are on the rebound! No longer looking sad! #YearInSpace pic.twitter.com/HJzXaTItIf
- Scott Kelly (@StationCDRKelly) January 8, 2016

First ever flower grown in space makes its debut! #SpaceFlower #zinnia #YearInSpace pic.twitter.com/2uGYvwtLKr
- Scott Kelly (@StationCDRKelly) January 16, 2016

Yes, there are other life forms in space! #SpaceFlower #YearInSpace pic.twitter.com/BJFWvQXmBB
- Scott Kelly (@StationCDRKelly) January 16, 2016

#SpaceFlower out in the sun for the first time! #YearInSpace pic.twitter.com/Cghu9XGv1J
- Scott Kelly (@StationCDRKelly) January 17, 2016

Read also: Message from a Martian