When it comes to zinnias in winter, there are a few steps you can take to ensure that you maximize their potential for the next growing season. As the season comes to an end, leaving spent flowerheads standing can be beneficial in multiple ways. Firstly, the seedheads provide a valuable source of food for birds during the winter months when food can be scarce. Additionally, by leaving the flowerheads intact, you give the zinnias the opportunity to self-sow, resulting in new plants the following year.
However, before leaving the flowerheads, it is important to ensure that they have fully dried and ripened on the plant. This is crucial because zinnia seeds are sensitive to freezing temperatures. If the seeds are not fully matured and dried, they may not survive the winter. Therefore, it is best to wait until the flowerheads have turned brown and dry before collecting the seeds.
To collect the zinnia seeds, you can gently shake the flowerheads over a clean container or paper bag. This will cause the mature seeds to fall out easily. It is important to handle the flowerheads with care to avoid damaging the seeds or scattering them prematurely. Once you have collected the seeds, make sure to discard any debris or chaff that may have been collected along with them.
Now that you have collected the zinnia seeds, it is time to store them properly over the winter. Since zinnia seeds are sensitive to freezing temperatures, it is crucial to store them indoors in a cool and dry location. You can use small envelopes or paper bags to store the seeds. It is a good practice to label each envelope or bag with the zinnia variety and the year of collection. This will help you keep track of the seeds and their viability in the future.
When storing the zinnia seeds, it is important to keep them away from moisture and extreme temperature fluctuations. A cool and dry basement or a refrigerator can serve as suitable storage locations. Make sure to keep the seeds in airtight containers to prevent moisture from entering.
It is also worth mentioning that zinnia seeds can remain viable for a few years if stored properly. However, their germination rates may decrease over time. To test the viability of your stored seeds, you can perform a simple germination test in the spring before sowing. This involves placing a few seeds on a moist paper towel or in a small container with potting soil and providing them with the appropriate conditions for germination. If a significant percentage of the seeds germinate, you can be confident in their viability and proceed with sowing.
When winter approaches, you can leave spent zinnia flowerheads standing to provide food for birds and allow for self-sowing. However, it is important to wait until the flowerheads have fully dried and ripened before collecting the seeds. Store the zinnia seeds indoors in a cool and dry location, away from moisture and extreme temperature fluctuations. Label and organize the seeds properly to keep track of their variety and collection year. By following these steps, you can ensure that your zinnia seeds remain viable and ready for sowing in the next growing season.
