You also might have enough seeds that you could consider giving some away as gifts.
Open-Pollinated Vs.
Hybrid
Before you begin, it’s important to know whether your zinnias are open-pollinated plants or hybrids.
The Spruce / Hilary Allison
If you have a lot of space, like a farm, plant one variety per half-mile.
For most of us, though, that’s not feasible.
Instead, bag or cage several flower buds before they bloom to prevent accidental cross-pollination.
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Leave the bag on until the flower is done blooming.
see to it to select plants that are healthy.
For instance, powdery mildew can transfer to seeds, so don’t save seeds from plants with disease.
The Spruce / Lacey Johnson
you’ve got the option to remove the rest of the flowers before they turn unsightly.
Each flower will be dark brown and dry to the touch when it is ready to harvest.
Trying to harvest a flower too early will result in immature seeds that won’t germinate.
The Spruce / Lacey Johnson
Once the zinnia flowers are dry, cut or pull them off the plant.
see to it to keep varieties separated and labeled unless you don’t mind a mix full of surprises!
Place the harvested seed heads on a screen so that they dry thoroughly on all sides.
The Spruce / Lacey Johnson
This may take up to a week, depending on the seed head and moisture level.
The seeds are small and arrow-shaped.
Some might still be attached to the base of a petal.
The Spruce / Lacey Johnson
If thats the case, gently pull off the seed.
Repeat this process with all of your dried flowers, discarding the petals and only keeping the seeds.
Keep the varieties separate.
This will help to prevent them from rotting or molding in storage.
Label each envelope so you remember what’s in it.
A closet is ideal.
Once the danger of frost has passed for the next growing season, you cansow your seedsoutdoors.
For best results, aim to use your seeds within three to five years.
Zinnia.University of Florida Extension Website
