Hi Xeramtheum,
It's possible the tubular "mutant" is related to the Cactus zinnias in some way. I speak of my original tubular as a mutant, and that was my first opinion, that the mutation had occurred in my garden. I have since come to believe that that red tubular zinnia is actually an existing strain of zinnias, that may have been around for many years or possibly even many decades. I think it may have been "flying under the radar" in zinnia seed fields.
I know of one instance on another forum in which a person posted a picture of a favorite red zinnia and, in the background and only a little out of focus, was an easily recognizable tubular red zinnia, perhaps a bigger specimen than mine. I mentioned that to the poster of the picture and the poster expressed surprise, and the intent to look to see if the zinnia was still there. I never heard the outcome of that. I think a lot of tubular zinnias get ignored or pulled up as "off type". That's not too surprising, because they are rather small and un-showy. My interest in them was based on their potential to become something good when bred with other zinnias. And they have done that, by providing the genes to help produce a new flower form in the zinnias in my garden.
This little grasshopper is "inspecting" a tubular petaled zinnia.
Some of the tubular petaled zinnias are a bit on the weird side.
While others have "hands" and seem to be waving at us.
I have enjoyed growing a variety of tubular petaled zinnias this year, and I will probably grow even more of them next year. As a strain, they need more colors and bigger flowers, and I can't wait to make that happen.
ZM
