How to Save Zinnia Seeds
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Zinnia seeds are found at the end of flower petals protected in the plant seed head. (Photo by Charlotte Ekker Wiggins)
“I've had a good crop of zinnias this year and trying to save and collect the seed. Problem is it's hard to see the seed! So basically I've just broken them up removed the stem/waste parts and figure whatever is seed will find it's why in the ground. I have been collecting Rudbeckia seed heads and it's really hard to find the seed there......any secrets to saving seed? Also is it best to plant in fall or spring? Thanks!” — Diana
How to Save Zinnia Seeds
Hi Diana, every plant saves its seeds a little differently. Zinnias have their seeds at the end of their petals saved individually in the flower head.
I am saving zinnias myself and took this one apart to show you what the seeds look like. When the seed head is all dry, the plant drops its seeds so when planting, you need those grayish black-looking flower pieces, those are the seeds.
I will spend an evening over winter separating the dried seeds from the flower heads to make sure I am planting seeds.
For both plants you plant the seeds in spring after the last hard frost which in USDA Hardiness zone 5 is Mother's Day.
Do a search for the plants you are saving and you will find photos of what the seeds look like.
Now some plants need exposure to cold weather such as purple coneflowers so again, check on the specific needs of the plants you are planting, they are not all the same.
