Greetings,

Zinnias can bloom in 6 to 8 weeks from seed, so you might want to consider them. They come in a wide variety of colors, flower forms, and plant habits. So there are an almost limitless number of interesting crosses that you can make with zinnias.

They are relatively easy to grow, they grow fast, and they are easy to cross-pollinate. In many places you can get two generations in one year, so you could make your crosses in the Spring, plant "green" seeds from them in the Summer, and see your hybrid blooms in the Fall, hybridize them as you see fit, and save seeds from them before Winter to continue the process the following Spring. Or, if you are impatient to continue without a delay, you could grow those hybrids-of-hybrids seeds indoors under lights or in a greenhouse.

For more information, see the It can be fun to breed your own zinnias message thread in the Annuals forum.

MM

Hi. Most Dianthus come to flower rather quicky, esp. if the first sowing is done in the winter and set out early in spring. Around here Z8 they often grow year 'round. I have three in bloom right now. (Gaiety Mixed). Although that is unusual, even for here. Hope this is of some help. Sambal