Hi Jaynine- Well, I 'thought' I had a lot of zinnias... I actually just bought the Highlights this year, so haven't got those available for trade I might have a California Giant Pink, but I know it doesn't say "Lady" on it. The Old Mexicos are taller than the Aztecs...so I guess while those ARE close, I'll pass for now. If I change my mind, I'll definitely look you up. Thanks!

Alana, I have a Pompom mix if you are interested

I never got your email. If you sent it through GW, sometimes that doesn't work......unfortunately. I'm finding that out a lot lately. :( Please try AFinalWord@aol.com directly. Thanks! Alicia

Hi mxk3 You might want to get started in diploid cactus zinnias, and save the tetraploid cactus zinnias for experiments with zinnia tri-ploidy. All of my non-recent cactus zinnia plantings have used Burpee's Burpeeaana strain. It has plants that are a bit less tall but better branched. I usually pick the longer more narrow seeds from my saved zinnia seedheads, with the idea that there is some correlation between zinnia seed shape and the resulting zinnia bloom. You can on somewhat infrequent occasions find an "interesting" zinnia seed that just might produce something in the plant phase. Those "horns" on the zinnia seed are unusual. But I am optimistic about long narrow zinnia seeds, especially those that are a bit "fat". I am also optimistic about tubular zinnia petals, especially those with closed ends. I think the closed-end tubular petals have potential in hybridization. All tubular petals require some special attention regarding pollinization for seed fertilization. That last photo has a lot of long-fertilized seeds, hence the absence of visible stigmas. ZM