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Store the Zinnia Seeds Place the seed envelope in a lidded glass jar and store it in a cool, dry place out of direct sun. A closet is ideal. Once the danger of frost has passed for the next growing season, you can sow your seeds outdoors. For best results, aim to use your seeds within 3 to 5 years.
Do zinnia seeds need to be refrigerated?
The ancestors of our hybrid garden zinnias (Zinnia spp.) are plants native to Mexico, Central America and South America. They grow in hot climates without cold winters, so seeds don’t need cold treatment to germinate. Rather, they need warm temperatures, plenty of moisture and sunshine to germinate and grow well.
How long can you store zinnia seeds?
Zinnia seeds will remain viable for 5-6 years if stored properly. So be sure they are fully dried out before storing.
Can you freeze zinnia seeds?
If you want to save seeds, however, leave some of the blooms on the plant so they can develop seed pods. Zinnias grown in warm climates where the temperature rarely dips below freezing will re-seed themselves in the garden. Seeds that are exposed to freezing conditions rarely sprout in the spring.
Do zinnia seeds need to be soaked?
It is recommended that you only soak most seeds for 12 to 24 hours and no more than 48 hours. After soaking your seeds, they can be planted as directed. The benefit of soaking seeds before planting is that your germination time will be reduced, which means you can have happy, growing plants faster.
What month do you plant zinnia seeds?
Planting: Plant zinnias in spring after all danger of frost has passed, around the same time you’d plant tomatoes. Zinnias are easy to grow directly-seeded into the garden. For sooner blooms, start seeds indoors 4 to 6 weeks before your last frost date.
How do I store zinnia seeds for next year?
Place the seed envelope in a lidded glass jar and store it in a cool, dry place out of direct sun. A closet is ideal. Once the danger of frost has passed for the next growing season, you can sow your seeds outdoors. For best results, aim to use your seeds within 3 to 5 years.
Can I use zinnia seeds from last year?
If you love zinnias and want to grow lots of them, the most economical way is to save seeds from your existing plants at the end of the growing season. Harvested at the right time—with the right care, the seeds will be mature and stay viable for several years to come.
Do zinnias come back the next year?
Zinnias work year after year. It’s easy to save zinnia seeds. Simply let the flowers dry fully on the stem, then collect the seedheads and lightly crush them in your hand to release next year’s seed crop.
How do you store seed packets?
Put the packets inside plastic food storage bags, Mason jars with tight-fitting lids, or glass canisters with gasketed lids. To keep seeds dry, wrap two heaping tablespoons of powdered milk in four layers of facial tissue, then put the milk packet inside the storage container with the seed packets.
Can seeds be stored in plastic containers?
Seed should be kept in a paper bag or envelope. Never store seed in a plastic bag or air tight container. The moisture trapped will cause the seed to mold and ruin the sample. The bag should always be kept in a dry place.
How do you store seeds long term?
Once you’ve found a way to keep your seeds cool, you’ll need to find a way to keep them dry. Mason jars and other glass containers are great options for seed storage so long as they are sealable. Ziplock bags, freezer bags and other plastic containers are also great options.
Do flower seeds need to be dried before planting?
Seeds need to properly mature, the seed coating needs to dry and cure, and they need a rest period prior to planting. That way you don’t have an impermeable seed coat that will not allow water in and will grow foul and rotten before the embryo can germinate.
How do you store flower seeds?
Store seeds in the refrigerator, not the freezer, until you are ready to plant. Low temperature, humidity and light level protect seed longevity. If it is not practical to store seeds in your refrigerator, store them in any place that is cool, dark and dry, protecting them from insects as much as possible.
How long does it take for a zinnia seed to sprout?
Growing Zinnias From Seeds Plant the seeds only about ¼-inch deep. You’ll see seedlings sprout in four to seven days. Once the seedlings reach about three inches tall, thin them so that they’re 6 to 18 inches apart to maximize air circulation, a key to keeping zinnias looking good all season.
Do zinnia seeds need darkness to germinate?
Choose a bright and sunny spot for your zinnias. Cover zinnia seeds with just ¼ inch of soil because they need light to germinate. Keep soil moist as the flowers develop.
How do you know if zinnia seeds are good?
How can you tell if a green zinnia seed is viable? To find out if a green zinnia seed is viable, first pinch the seed between your finger and thumbnail. If it feels hard, you may have a viable seed.
