Zinnia seeds are relatively long-lived in decent storage conditions. Hill Gardens of Maine list the longevity of zinnia seeds as 5 - 6 years. Slugs and Salal say that "At the other end of the seed longevity scale are durable longtimers such as zinnia, nasturtium, salpiglossis, cucumber, squash, cantaloupe, watermelon and beet, which will commonly keep in good viable condition for six years or more." The Master Gardeners Testing Seeds for Germination article says "Marigold seeds can last for three years, and zinnia and nasturtium seeds for up to seven years." Plant Breeding For The Home Gardener says, "Some long-lived seeds include zinnia, petunia, and lotus." I think a lot of factors affect how long your zinnia seeds can last, but in general I think it is long enough to make it worthwhile to save seeds from your favorite zinnias, which could be the beginning of a worthwhile hobby of growing and breeding your own zinnias. ZM

I have lots of White & a few Cherry Profusion seeds...send me an email & I'll send you my address to send the SASBE to! I'd be happy to share...this is how I received some of my best butterfly garden seeds! Just "paying it FORWARD"! ;o) Lila

Hi Mary - I would really like to have some of these seeds: Ornamental Millet "Purple Majesty" Gomphrena (purple color) Amaranth "Joseph's Coat" Wave Petunia (Mix of purple, silver veigned and pink) Please, check my list and let me know if we can trade. Thank you. tina_2

threeorangeboys Okay, here's what I do. I don't do my zinnias until I know there is no chance of frost or near frost temps. Since they are so important to me, if I did have seeds planted in their cups and there was a chance of temps falling below 32, I bring them in for the night. That's what I do and it's done no harm to them. Anyway, they germinate pretty fast - I put two seeds to a styrofoam cup (with holes in the bottom) ... When I decided to plant them out, I think they only had two leaves, but it's better if they have four. Here's something I learned about them. If both seeds germinate in the cup - you can easily separate them. They are very strong - but... you need a deeper container if you don't plan on planting them out right away because they have longish roots. This year, my timing was right. I waited until it was continually warm when I sowed them, so there was no waiting to plant them out. Now, here's the problems I encounter in this border (pictures shown). The border is in full sun, so when I plant out the seedlings, I cover them (after watering) with vented baskets. Yes, it looks really stupid (I bought purple ones... at least they are pretty) and then I uncover them in the evening. I put toothpicks, sluggo near and around them, but hey, you never know what's going to eat them at night. Sometimes, I lose one, but I always have backups to replace them. Last year, I must have moved about 10 clumps (during the early morning but still in the summer) and they transplanted really well. Of course, it is much better to have a plan, which I didn't have last year. Hopefully, I won't have to move any around this year. They love the heat. They are small for a good bit of time and then they just take off. Hopefully, you will have good luck - please let us know!! Carrie - PS - They do great in a planter too!