Getting Zinnia Seeds From Flowers

Zinnias form seeds at the base of each petal.

Zinnia elegans creates big, bright, luxurious blooms in the summer garden. Propagation, or reproduction, occurs through seeds. In order to avoid purchasing seeds or seedlings every year, save zinnia seeds for a free new crop in the spring. Because of pollination, the flowers may not appear exactly as they did the year prior in shape, color, size, etc. However, this adds an extra element of surprise to your garden. Zinnias form their seeds at the base of each petal. Other flowering plants create pods or fruits. Nearly all plants make seeds that you can save for your next planting.

Things You'll Need

• Scissors
• String
• Envelope

Instructions

1. Cultivate the zinnias and allow them to bloom.

2. Cut the flowers at the base of the stem as they begin to go limp and turn brown.

3. Tie the zinnia stems in a bundle and hang upside down to allow nutrients to flow to the seeds.

4. Untie the stems when dry and separate the petals from the stems on a flat surface.

5. Pull the seeds from the petals to separate and store the seeds in a paper envelope for spring planting.

Tips & Warnings

• Save seeds from other flowering plants in a similar fashion. Keep in mind, however, that all plants form their seeds in different manners.

• If you pluck the flowers too early, the seeds to not have enough time to develop and become fertile. If you pluck the flowers too late, the seeds may have already fallen to the ground or birds may have consumed them.

References

• Grit: Saving Seed
• Flower Garden News: Collecting Seeds
• Floridata: Zinnia Elegans