How to Harvest Zinnia Seeds for Future Planting
How to Harvest Zinnia Seeds?
To harvest zinnia seeds, start by determining if the zinnias are open-pollinated or hybrids.
Open-pollinated zinnias will grow true to the parent plant, while hybrid zinnias may not.
Bag or cage flower buds before they bloom to prevent cross-pollination.
Select healthy plants for seed saving, ensuring that diseases like powdery mildew do not transfer to the seeds.
Typically, only a few blooms’ worth of seeds are needed for an average-sized garden the next year.
Save seeds from plants away from the edge of a large garden bed to make the drying flowers less noticeable.
Zinnias are easy to grow and produce many seeds, so there is no need to buy seeds or nursery plants to continue growing them.
Popular varieties of open-pollinated zinnias include Green Envy, Bright Jewels, Canary Bird, and Red Spider.
Key Points:
- Determine if zinnias are open-pollinated or hybrids
- Bag or cage flower buds to prevent cross-pollination
- Select healthy plants for seed saving, avoiding disease transfer
- Only a few blooms’ worth of seeds are needed for an average-sized garden the next year
- Save seeds from plants away from the edge of a large garden bed for discreet drying
- Zinnias are easy to grow and produce many seeds, no need to buy seeds or nursery plants
Did You Know?
1. Zinnia flowers were named after the German botanist Johann Gottfried Zinn, who first recorded the plant in the 18th century.
2. Zinnias are part of the sunflower family, which also includes daisies, marigolds, and chrysanthemums.
3. Zinnia seeds have a unique trait known as “heteromorphic fluff.” This means that the seeds possess fluffy hairs that aid in dispersal by wind.
4. The color of zinnia flowers can be manipulated by altering the pH levels of the soil. Acidic soil tends to produce more vibrant and intense colors, while alkaline soil generates softer shades.
5. Zinnias are excellent pollinator attractants, especially for butterflies and hummingbirds. Their vibrant colors and nectar-rich flowers make them irresistible to these creatures, aiding in the pollination process and fostering biodiversity in gardens.
Abundance Of Zinnia Seeds
Zinnias are popular flowers known for their vibrant colors and their ability to attract butterflies. One of the benefits of growing zinnias is that they produce a bountiful amount of seeds per plant. This makes zinnias a great option for gardeners who enjoy saving and sharing seeds.
To ensure a constant supply of zinnias for future plantings, it is important to properly harvest zinnia seeds. Thankfully, the process is quite straightforward. By following a few simple steps, you can continue to enjoy the beauty of zinnias year after year.
Determining Zinnia Type
Before harvesting zinnia seeds, it is important to identify the type of zinnias in your garden. Zinnias can be divided into two categories: open-pollinated and hybrid zinnias. Open-pollinated zinnias are the traditional varieties that have been around for a long time, while hybrids are a result of cross-pollination between different zinnia types. Identifying the type of zinnias is crucial because it determines if the seeds will grow true to the parent plant.
Hybrid Vs Open-Pollinated Zinnias
Understanding the difference between hybrid and open-pollinated zinnias is crucial for successful seed harvesting.
Hybrid zinnias are the result of cross-pollination between different zinnia varieties, which leads to the development of unique characteristics. However, these characteristics may not be present in the next generation of plants grown from the seeds of hybrid zinnias.
Open-pollinated zinnias, on the other hand, produce seeds that will grow true to the parent plant. This means that if you want to preserve specific traits and colors, it is recommended to focus on harvesting seeds from open-pollinated zinnias.
Growing True To Parent Plant
To ensure zinnia seeds grow true to the parent plant, it is essential to select healthy zinnia plants for seed saving. Look for plants with robust growth, vibrant blooms, and resistance to common diseases such as powdery mildew. By choosing healthy plants, you increase the likelihood of obtaining high-quality seeds that will produce desirable zinnias in the following seasons.
Popular Open-Pollinated Zinnia Varieties
A diverse array of open-pollinated zinnia varieties can adorn your garden. Some popular open-pollinated zinnias include Green Envy, Bright Jewels, Canary Bird, and Red Spider. These varieties offer a range of colors, shapes, and sizes, making any garden burst with vibrant beauty. By selecting open-pollinated zinnia seeds from these varieties, you can be confident that the next generation of your zinnias will be true to their parent plants.
Preventing Cross-Pollination
To maintain the purity of open-pollinated zinnias, preventing cross-pollination is crucial. Cross-pollination can occur when zinnias of different varieties are in close proximity, resulting in hybrid seeds. To avoid this, bag or cage the flower buds of zinnias before they bloom. This physical barrier prevents bees and other pollinators from reaching the flowers and ensures that the zinnia seeds remain pure and true to their parent plants.
By understanding the type of zinnias you have, selecting healthy plants, and preventing cross-pollination, you can ensure the next generation of zinnias will thrive and impress with their vibrant colors and enchanting beauty. So, why not take advantage of zinnias’ abundant seed production and start harvesting seeds to create your own zinnia paradise?
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you collect seeds from zinnias?
To collect seeds from zinnias, start by obtaining a dry zinnia flower. Once you have one in your possession, take the seed head and “flail” it, gently hitting it to release the seeds. Alternatively, you can pull the seed head apart or rub it between your fingers over a paper plate to release the seeds. These seeds are small and have an arrow shape, with some potentially still attached to the base of a petal. If you come across seeds attached to a petal, simply give them a gentle pull to detach them.
How long to start zinnia seeds?
To start zinnia seeds, it is recommended to wait 1 to 2 weeks after your average last frost date to ensure optimal germination. The ideal soil temperature for zinnia seed germination is between 70°–80°F. If you are starting the seeds indoors, it is best to sow them 4 to 6 weeks before your average last frost date and then transplant them outdoors after the last frost has passed. This allows the zinnias to establish themselves indoors before facing the outdoor conditions.
Are zinnias easy to grow from seed?
Zinnias are incredibly easy to grow from seed. Their uniquely shaped seeds, resembling arrowheads, only need a minimal amount of preparation to sprout. By simply sowing them in well-drained soil, providing ample sunlight and warmth, you can expect to see tiny seedlings emerging within days, and their vibrant flowers blooming in just a matter of weeks. Few other plant varieties can boast such rapid growth and development.
What is the best time of year to harvest zinnia seeds?
The best time to harvest zinnia seeds is in the late summer or early fall. Zinnias are annual flowers that produce seed heads after they finish blooming. To ensure that the seeds are fully matured and dried, it is ideal to wait until the flower heads turn brown and crispy on the plant. This usually happens around 6 to 8 weeks after the flowers have bloomed. Harvesting the seeds at this point ensures that they are viable and ready for storage or planting in the following season.