Zinnias are low alimony peak that make your garden glister with fertile prime that come on almost every color of the rainbow , and zinnia are also a well nectar plant for bees , butterflies , hummingbirds and other pollinator . Depending on the variety , zinnias can be anywhere from 10 column inch to 4 feet tall , make water them a good increase to any sunny spot in your garden . It ’s easy to collect and dry out your own zinnia seeds to turn next class . Doing so tolerate you to choose your favorite colors or to grow seed saved from the healthiest plants that are best suited for your garden situation .
Step 1
Choose which zinnias you would like to save source from . Zinnia seeds sold in garden centers are often a mixing of colouring material , so when you keep your own seeds you may choose your favorite varieties , or can differentiate them by color if you would like to develop red zinnias by the front door and jaundiced zinnias along the sidewalk .
Step 2
Wait until the end of the growing season , when the blooms have faded and the seed principal have begun to dry out on the stalk . The seeds , which can be find in the nub of the zinnia blossom at the theme of the petals , should be brown or light-green . If they are white or yellow - ish , they are not ready to be harvest . Since goldfinches and other birds like to use up zinnia seeds , you may demand to protect the seeds heads while you are waiting for them to dry out . you’re able to do this by place a low paper bag around the seedhead and tying it close around the still hunt with a slice of string .
Step 3
tear the seedheads off the zinnia husk once the ejaculate have started to dry out . You may do this before or after the hoarfrost .
Step 4
Allow the zinnia seedheads to dry in open or very slackly closed report bags until the seeds are completely dry and brown . count on how dry your zinnia seeds were when you picked them , this could take a few days or a few weeks . With a penitentiary or pencil , label each bag with the coloring or variety of zinnia inside of it .
Step 5
sweep your finger across the seedhead to relax the seeds . Zinnia seeds are very pocket-sized and are oblong or arrowhead - influence .
Step 6
stack away your old maid flower ejaculate in label newspaper publisher travelling bag or envelopes and keep them in a cool , dark place until spring . Paper storage allows for line circulation and help the seed dry out over the wintertime . Zinnia seed do not need to be refrigerate , but they should be kept away from any estrus sources . A root cellar or cellar is ideal .
Tip
seed compile from hybridize or crossbred works will not will not produce accurate replicas of the parent plant . There is a chance that the seeds might not germinate at all , or you might get some funky new salmagundi of old maid you ’ve never seen before .
Warning
Do not force zinnia seed to dry by heating them . allow for them to dry slowly and naturally .
