Zoe ~ Thank you. It probably would have been worse if he lived nearby. He lived in Florida away from his daughters and family. I am happy that he visited us a few years ago when he was healthy.

That's a touching photograph. You (is that you?) both have such love in your faces.

So sorry, Evelyn! I didn't realize.

Can you see the marigold sprouts? And a few Zinnias.

The little Zinnia that could? It is about 7" tall, has 8 leaves and 1 tiny flower. It only sprouted about 3 weeks ago. I guess I'll refer to it as recessive gene plant. Predict it won't live long. There are other Zinnia sprouts scattered around but they look normal. I know there are smaller varieties/cultivars but I've only ever had various "giant" Zinnias. This little one is a major anomaly - in size and timing.

Beautiful photo of your son, Evelyn. So handsome.

Hi Tiffany,

That unusual small zinnia is interesting. There is a considerable difference in the size of its petals. One of its stigmas seems unusual. Crossing it with larger zinnias might produce some interesting results. Its earliness could be an important trait. For better or worse, it has some different genetics.

ZM

It is interesting, isn't it? I am not organized enough to follow-through on breeding experiments but I'm sure it would be fun. It's also hard to say what kinds of Zinnias might be growing nearby in other people's yards, that might have gotten involved via bee or other flying critter last year.

I will try to remember to take a new pic when the bloom is more developed.

The promised update. This little one has gumption. Do you see the bud?

Hi Tiffany,

"Do you see the bud?"

I do. Actually, that bud was also clearly visible in your first photo, just a bit "in the shade" there.

" I am not organized enough to follow-through on breeding experiments but I'm sure it would be fun. "

It would be. I am having fun, and I definitely am not organized.

" It's also hard to say what kinds of Zinnias might be growing nearby in other people's yards, that might have gotten involved via bee or other flying critter last year. "

Your neighbors might have some nice zinnias that would look good crossed with your little guy. Or you could just take some tweezers and rub those little "yellow starfish" pollen florets on your zinnia's stigmas (the Y-shaped things at the base of the petals.) If you can't find tweezers, you could probably just do it with your thumb and forefinger. Just sayin'. There is something weird about your little zinnia. In just a few minutes you could brag that you are a zinnia breeder!

ZM

Thank you very much for the details and encouragement! I would feel funny giving myself a title like that, for fear it would give a false impression that I have any idea of what I am doing.

The larkspurs started blooming exactly according to their usual schedule, first week of May. The welcome committee was waiting

So pretty!

NMoasis said: The larkspurs started blooming exactly according to their usual schedule, first week of May. The welcome committee was waiting

Zoe ~ They are beautiful! When did you sow them? I sowed some in fall, but I think the snow and rain washed them away. 😒

I wouldn't be surprised, Evelyn, you really had a crazy winter. I wonder if the snow was on them too long and simply smothered them. Maybe someone else in a snowy climate would know. Our snow rarely lasts more than a day or two. If you scroll back to the beginning of this thread, you'll see that these started sprouting in November!

These reseed themselves, but yes, they definitely need cold stratification and should be sown in fall.

This year only blues and violets. No pink so far. Not as thick as some years, either. Not always sure what conditions affect them.

My delphiniums and foxgloves have been planted. I guess I'll sow some more larkspur in fall. Usually it is too warm in fall.That's why I didn't get a chance to plant any bulbs this year. Fortunately some came up from previous years.