Buying Creeping Zinnia Seeds?

Q: I saw the beautiful picture of the creeping zinnia and I would love them for my garden. The problem is I can't seem to find plants or seeds anywhere on the web. Does anyone know where I can get them?

Hardiness Zone: 5b

JILLSAVES from Shavertown, PA

Jillsaves,

A: If you search the web using the terms "Sanvitalia seeds" or "Sanvitalia procumbens" you'll find a lot more resources then if you try searching for creeping zinnias. Also, in seed catalogs, creeping zinnias are sometimes listed under specialty annuals rather being grouped with traditional cut flower zinnias. Most of the larger seed companies like Burpee and Gurneys sell them.

Prices seem to vary widely so it pays shop around. From the few web sites I checked out, Stokes Seeds (www.stokesseeds.com) offers the convenience of being able to order different quantities of the three most popular varieties, "Yellow Carpet," "Aztec Gold" and "Mandarin Orange." Their prices also seem in line with other seed companies (maybe a bit better).

For cheap or even free seeds, I would recommend searching garden forums or seed exchanges. Most gardeners are more than willing to share their seeds or swap them for something they don't have. It's a great feeling knowing that somewhere out there, seeds from your garden are adding to the beauty of someone else's garden.

Ellen

Editor's Note: Be sure to check out ThriftyFun's Seed Swap. You can find it here: http://www.thriftyfun.com/board_seeds.html