Some of the specialty zinnia seeds on the market are really expensive compared to a basic zinnia mix. But in my opinion, they are absolutely worth it for the beginning breeder. Once you introduce some of these zinnias into your garden, let them cross with others, and save your seeds, you will start to see some very interesting colors and shapes emerge. From there, you can pick the flowers that appeal to you and start your own breeding lines.

The photos here are the flowers I’m working with in 2026 after growing Floret Alpenglow and Dawn Creek Breeders Mix (about a dollar per seed) and crossing them with Prairie Peach three years ago. This year, about half are just plain old zinnias, but the other half are truly unusual. I haven’t decided yet which ones I’ll go forward with. Which would you choose?