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During the summer, I keep an eye out on blooms that I really like - as soon as I see petals starting to disappear (birds getting the seeds), I cut that bloom. I lay then out on a tray in the house to dry, then store them in a paper grocery bag. At some point before planting time, I strip/pick the seeds out of the dried blooms. I don't remove the petals, so when I plant, I have a colorful row before I cover with dirt. I don't space or anything within the rows (rows about 12" apart), just let what comes up come up. So far, this has worked great and I have multiple beds of zinnias. I like to have an early bed and a late bed that would have flowers for Thanksgiving, IF we don't have a freezing spell. They'll do ok with frost if I cover them. My experience has been that blooms that have been cold-killed don't have seeds that germinate.

We especially love zinnias because they are so 'hardy' in hot weather and sturdy enough to make gorgeous flower arrangements - my mom likes to give them to shut-ins, neighbors, & the secretary & pastors at church. I posted these before, but I'll repost ....so pretty .... can't wait for blooms this year!

Zinnia are so CHEERFUL! You're gonna love the 'Canary' Zinnia I sent you, Q. Just a reminder that each plant is HUGE (like 2-feet across & tall!) and the blooms are the biggest Zinnia blooms I've ever grown. A very clear, deep yellow.

I'm not growing them this year; I got swept up in the crazy new colors they've come out with in the 'Queeny' series of Zinnia:

My garden is going to be a RIOT of color this season...between the boring rows of veggies. And you know what? I used to care, but I don't anymore, LOL! :)

Those zinnias are spectacular!

I’m running late this year due to travel, etc., and didn’t put out the seeds when I should have (two months ago!).

But, my local nursery does carry six-packs of various types of zinnias - maybe I’ll do that today. Here, they will bloom until Thanksgiving.