Saving Zinnia Seeds

This is the first in a series of seed saving posts that I am writing. I chose to write about saving zinnia seeds for two reasons. First, saving zinnia seeds is easy. Second, zinnias are one of my favorite annual flowers. In addition, zinnias are a natural for a butterfly garden. My garden was full of many different butterflies including Monarch and Swallowtail. For more information about growing zinnias, check out my post titled Growing and caring for Zinnias, the complete guide.

Before we begin, let’s discuss a few seed saving guidelines.

• Seeds from self-pollinated or open-pollinated plants are the best for saving. Open-pollinated refers to plants that have been pollinated naturally by wind, insects, or birds. Self-pollinated refers to plants that have been pollinated from the same flower or another flower on the same plant
• Seeds from hybrid plants may not produce an identical plant or a plant as vibrant. With hybrid seeds, the initial pollination (referred to as f1) is controlled by human intervention. When the pollen of two different species or varieties is cross-pollinated, a new hybrid variety is a result. 
• Cross-pollination is possible if you plant more than one variety of zinnia. From my perspective, this should not discourage you from saving seed. Just be aware that a ‘different’ variety may result. Cross-pollination occurs when wind, insects or birds transfer the pollen from one variety of a plant to another variety of the same plant.
• Saving seed is a method of plant propagation. Propagation is the ability to create a new plant from an existing plant.

Benefits of saving zinnia seeds

Why save seeds when it does require effort, knowledge, time and planning? As I think about the benefits, here is my list:

• Seed saving is a challenge, in a good way. Sometimes it’s not easy to find the seeds. When you finally find the seeds, there is a sense of accomplishment.
• I feel joyful and get a further sense of accomplishment when my saved seed germinates and grows into a plant.
• You contribute to preserving plant diversity.
• Home saved seeds are free.
• Saved seeds adapt better to your climate and soil.

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Harvesting (saving) zinnia seeds

Zinnias are members of the aster family (marigolds, cosmos, daisy) and are the largest family of flowering plants. While zinnias will produce more flowers if they are deadheaded, towards the end of the season is a good time to save seeds. Here is the process:

• Chose the flowers that appear healthiest.
• Chose a variety of colors, or your favorite color.
• Let the flower turn brown and brittle on the stem.
• After the flower turns brown, cut the stem with garden shears or scissors.
• Label the variety and color of the flower. You will be happy you did this when you go to plant the seeds.
• Let the flower head dry an additional week or two in a cool dry location. I place mine on a paper towel in an area where they will not be disturbed.
• Gently pull apart the flower head and let everything drop on a paper towel.
• The seeds are arrow-shaped and attached at the end of the flower petals.
• Carefully separate the seeds from the rest of the chaff. I used a small knife to separate the seeds into a pile.

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Storing saved zinnia seeds

I like to place my saved zinnia seeds in small brown envelopes that are easy enough to find and purchase on Amazon. Brown envelopes are relatively inexpensive, easy to write on and easy to store. Here is how you store your seeds.

• Place the seeds in an envelope. To prevent dampness, add a packet of silica gel or dry rice to the envelope.
• Label the envelope with the following information:
  • Type of seed (e.g. Zinnia)
  • Variety (e.g. Cut and Come Again)
  • Date Saved
• Place the envelope in an airtight container
• Place the container in a cool location. I use the refrigerator.

Seed viability decreases over time. Saved zinnia seeds should be used within 3 years. Good luck with saving zinnia seeds.

References

University of Illinois Extension – Saving Seed from the Garden

Iowa State University Extension – Saving seeds from your Garden