Zinnia Seed Secrets: What They Look Like When Harvesting
Discovering the secrets hidden within your zinnia blooms is a rewarding experience. Zinnia seed saving, a practice often guided by resources like those available from the Seed Savers Exchange, allows gardeners to propagate their favorite varieties. Central to this process is understanding what do zinnia seeds look like when harvested, and recognizing the mature seed heads is crucial. The 'Benary's Giant' zinnia, a popular variety known for its large blooms, provides an excellent example: the dried petals reveal a central cone containing the seeds. Observation of seed maturity, signaled by the drying and browning of these cones, guarantees a successful harvest.
Image taken from the YouTube channel The Grace-filled Garden , from the video titled How to Harvest Zinnia Seeds .
Zinnia Seed Secrets: Unveiling What They Look Like When Harvesting
So, you've poured love and attention into your zinnia plants, enjoying their vibrant blooms all season long. Now, you're ready to save those seeds for next year. But what do zinnia seeds actually look like when they're ripe and ready to harvest? This guide will walk you through exactly what to look for, ensuring you collect viable seeds for another beautiful display. Let's dive in!
Understanding Zinnia Flower Structure for Seed Harvesting
To understand what to look for, it's helpful to know a little about the flower's anatomy. Zinnia flowers are composite flowers, meaning they are actually made up of many tiny individual flowers.
- Ray florets: These are the larger, showy "petals" that give the zinnia its color and shape. They surround the center disk. Ray florets do not produce seeds.
- Disk florets: These are the tiny, closely packed flowers in the central disk of the zinnia. This is where the seeds are formed. So, we need to pay attention to the central part of the zinnia flower.
Recognizing Ready-to-Harvest Zinnia Seed Heads
Knowing where to look is half the battle. Now, let's talk about what the entire seed head will look like when it's ready for harvesting. The following signs indicate a mature seed head ready for harvesting:
- Color Change: The flower head will become dry and brownish. The bright colors will fade to dull, muted tones. Think less vibrant, more earthy.
- Dry and Brittle Texture: The entire flower head should feel dry and brittle to the touch. Gently squeeze it; it should feel papery and almost crumbly.
- Stem Condition: The stem supporting the flower head will also start to dry and turn brown. It will likely be easier to snap or break off the plant.
The Anatomy of a Zinnia Seed: What to Look For
Okay, we've got the seed head. Now, for the moment of truth: what do zinnia seeds look like? They aren't like the round seeds you might imagine from other plants.
Shape and Appearance
Zinnia seeds are generally small, flat, and arrow-shaped or shield-shaped. They are typically pointed at one end.
- Color Variation: The color of the seeds can vary from light tan or beige to dark brown or almost black, depending on the zinnia variety and the maturity of the seed. Don't worry too much about the color; viability is more related to the seed's feel and firmness.
Extracting the Seeds
To get to the seeds, you will need to gently break apart the dried flower head.
- Gently Crumble the Disk: Holding the dried flower head over a bowl or container, gently rub the central disk between your fingers to release the seeds.
- Separate Seeds from Debris: You'll end up with a mix of seeds and dried flower parts (chaff).
- Winnowing (Optional): You can gently blow on the mixture to remove some of the lighter chaff, but don't worry about getting every single bit of debris out.
Identifying Viable Zinnia Seeds
Not all seeds within a flower head will be viable (capable of germinating). Here's how to spot the good ones:
- Firmness Test: The best way to identify viable seeds is to gently squeeze them between your fingers. Viable seeds will feel firm and solid. Immature or non-viable seeds will feel hollow, thin, or easily crushed. Discard any that feel weak.
- Shape: While zinnia seeds are generally arrow-shaped, look for seeds that have a well-defined shape and aren't shriveled or deformed.
- Color: While the color of the seed will depend on the variety of the flower, make sure the seed has a healthy, solid coloring. If the seed is mostly a light gray color it is likely not viable.
Troubleshooting: Common Issues When Harvesting Zinnia Seeds
Sometimes, things don't go exactly as planned. Here are a few common issues and how to handle them:
- Mold or Mildew: If you see any mold or mildew on the flower head, discard it. These seeds are unlikely to be viable and could spread disease. This can happen if your region has high humidity, so make sure the flowers are adequately dry when harvesting.
- Premature Harvesting: If you harvest the flower head too early, the seeds might not be fully mature. You'll likely find mostly thin, pale seeds. Leave the remaining flower heads on the plant to dry further.
- Insect Damage: Check for signs of insect damage, such as small holes in the seeds. Discard any damaged seeds.
By following these tips, you'll be well-equipped to harvest your own zinnia seeds and enjoy their beauty for years to come! Remember to store the viable seeds in an air-tight container in a cool, dry place for best results.
Video: Zinnia Seed Secrets: What They Look Like When Harvesting
Zinnia Seed Secrets: Harvesting FAQs
Here are some common questions about harvesting zinnia seeds and what to look for.
How do I know when zinnia seeds are ready to harvest?
Zinnia seeds are ready to harvest when the flower head has completely dried and turned brown. The seeds themselves will be dry and brittle. You should be able to easily pull them away from the dried flower head.
What do zinnia seeds look like when harvested?
When harvested, zinnia seeds look like small, flat, arrow-shaped or shield-shaped pieces. They are typically light to dark brown or tan. Some may have a papery fringe attached. The color can vary slightly depending on the zinnia variety.
Can I harvest zinnia seeds from any zinnia flower?
Yes, you can harvest zinnia seeds from any zinnia flower, including hybrids. However, seeds from hybrid zinnias may not produce plants that are exactly like the parent plant. If you want plants that are true to type, collect seeds from heirloom or open-pollinated varieties.
How do I store zinnia seeds after harvesting?
After harvesting, allow the seeds to dry completely for a few days in a cool, dry place. Then, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator or a cool, dark place. Properly stored zinnia seeds can remain viable for several years.