Request: Saving Zinnia Seeds
Archived on 10/03/2009
By Ellen Brown
Question: What is the best way to save Zinnia seeds?
Hardiness Zone: 7b
Becky from Hernando, MS
Answer: Becky,
To save zinnia seeds, wait until the color of the flower heads fade and deadhead them. When the flower head looks rather "dead" but hasn't completely withered and fallen off on its own, the seeds should be ready. As you remove the heads, they should pop off in your hand rather easily.
The seeds will range in size depending on the variety of zinnias you are growing, but most will be brownish in color, have a slightly furry texture, and will be somewhat flat and either rectangular in shape or shaped like tiny arrowheads. To identify the seeds, follow the petals down to their base. The seeds will be located in cones just behind the base of the petals.
After removing the heads from the stems, "cure" them on a tray for a few days in a dark, dry area before storing them in a paper bag and sealing them in an airtight container until planting. If you want offspring with the same genetic traits as the parent plants, it's best to grow and save the seed from heirloom varieties. On the other hand, saving seeds from hybrid zinnias will assure you a random mix of genes that may result in flowers with some very interesting characteristics. In either case, strive to save the seeds from only the hardiest flowers with the longest lasting blooms and the most vibrant colors.
Ellen
About The Author: Ellen Brown is our Green Living and Gardening Expert. Click here to ask Ellen a question! Ellen Brown is an environmental writer and photographer and the owner of Sustainable Media, an environmental media company that specializes in helping businesses and organizations promote eco-friendly products and services. Contact her on the web at http://www.sustainable-media.com
Feedback:
RE: Saving Zinnia Seeds
Each year I save my seeds in a zip top baggie.
Take marker and name each bag. (08/18/2006)
By Autumn
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