Hi, Bees will make random crosses as well as self pollination. Reds will not always produce reds. When you buy a packet of mixed zinnias, unless it is a "formula blend", it comes from a field of mixed open pollinated zinnias, with most of the pollination being done by bees, which is a commercial version of the very thing you described. If you want to cross two of your zinnias, simply take pollen from one zinnia and apply it to the stigmas of the other zinnia. The pollen is in the star-shaped yellow florets, and the stigmas are the yellow Y-shaped antennas at the base of each petal. The best time to pollinate is in the morning when the pollen is still fresh and the bees haven't "stolen" it yet. Zinnias are relatively easy to cross, because their pollen and stigmas are relatively large and easy to manipulate. Their stigmas can remain receptive for over a week, but when they are successfully pollinated, they wither and die within a day or two. Your hand-pollinated hybrid zinnia seed can be planted in only a few weeks, letting you see the results of your cross in the same year or even the same season. By crossing your own zinnias, you can get some new zinnias that you would never get from a seed packet. I enjoy growing and breeding zinnias as a hobby. ZM

If they're in pots and exposed to frost, move them to a protected location...these may not overwinter...depends on the coldness of your geographic location (if you freeze, they will be toast). P. "rubrum" is tender for an ornamental grass. If they survive, follow wanda's advice.

Topher thanks for the advice. The link you posted shows Majesty's like full sun. :o) It's been 5 months since I moved my Majesty. It did go into shock, lost 3 fronds. I have 1 new frond fully opened, and 1 tall spear, and 1 short spear. It hasn't grown much so now I'm wondering what to do. I can transplant it again to zone 9a in a more secluded frost protected location but that doesn't guarantee it won't get way below freezing. I can also dig it up and try again next year. I can even move it to another location in my yard. I was trying to salvage my Majesty but I'm scratching my head. Anita how tall were the Hawthrone plants? They could of been sheilding your Majesty from direct sun and now it's in shock?

Okay then - prepare to be bombarded. ;)