How to Harvest Zinnia Seeds
Our part of Texas has gotten an unusual amount of rain this summer, which means our garden is still looking pretty vibrant for August. And, thanks to my daughter Abigail’s tireless efforts, it just keeps getting better and better. She’s learned how to harvest zinnia seeds (as well as seeds from canna and snapdragon and vinca and marigolds and too many wildflowers to count).
She’s become a master at rooting cuttings and propagating all sorts of other plants, as well, and our entire family has been enjoying the results. If you’re interested in doing the same, Abby is describing the process step-by-step on the blog this week, so I’ll turn you over to her for the low down:
Instructions for Harvesting Zinnia Seeds
I’ve recently been learning how to harvest seeds from all sorts of flowers, and I’m so excited to share this quick and easy way to save money on these beautiful blooms.
Supplies You’ll Need:
- a bowl
- small container (envelope or ziplock)
- paper
- pen
- rubber bands
- scissors
STEP 1 – SELECT
If you like a specific color of zinnia, you can put a rubber band on it, so once it’s had a chance to dry out, you’ll know which flower it is.
STEP 2 – COLLECT
Pick the driest zinnia blooms in your garden to collect. I found that the flowerheads with the most intact petals have the most mature seeds.
STEP 3 – SEPARATE
Pull apart your flowerhead. At the bottom of the petals, there should be a triangle-shaped seed. Gently separate the seed from the petal. A mature seed should feel hard and look dark brown. Immature seeds are lighter and more flimsy, and you can just throw those away.
STEP 4 – STORE
I keep my seeds in small, labeled Ziploc bags, but you can also use envelopes or jars. Label and date your seeds so you don’t forget what they are.
Zinnias will often come back from seed on their own if you leave the bed undisturbed, but harvesting seeds allows you to plant them in new places or share them with friends.
Zinnias also make pretty cut-flower bouquets if you want to bring some indoors. And butterflies love all the bright vibrant blooms as much as we do!
Keep On Crafting
If you’d like more craft ideas, you can peruse other fun projects here: Abby’s Craft Corner. And if you’re interested in learning the German art of paper cutting, then check out the collection of Scherenschnitte patterns and print packs I recently added to our shop.
