Sign-In
Cart
The Pastel Zinnia Breeding Project: A Hobby Gardener's Guide to Selecting Double Blooms, Saving Seed, and Growing Better Zinnias Season by Season
Paperback
Series: The Backyard Garden, Book 2
Publisher: Independently Published
Published: Jun 28 2026
Pages: 306
Weight: 1.18
Height: 0.64 Width: 7.00 Depth: 10.00
Language: English
You do not need rare seeds, a greenhouse, or a commercial breeding program to create better pastel zinnias. You need a clear goal, good records, and the discipline to keep selecting.
The Pastel Zinnia Breeding Project is a practical guide to improving a backyard population of tall, fully double, strong-stemmed pastel zinnias using affordable, readily available cultivars.
Rather than trying to compete with commercial breeders or make every flower look identical, this book shows hobby gardeners how to build a locally adapted population that performs well in their own garden. The colors may remain varied-cream, blush, champagne, peach, muted rose, lavender, and unexpected combinations-while the plants steadily improve in height, stem strength, bloom form, vase life, productivity, fertility, and late-season health.
The book begins with familiar sources such as Benary's Giant White, Benary's Giant Salmon Rose, Oklahoma, and carefully selected bridge cultivars. Each is assigned a specific role: adding size, improving stems, strengthening branching, introducing softer color, or refreshing genetic diversity.
Inside, you will learn how to:
- define a realistic breeding target;
- choose parent cultivars according to the traits they can contribute;
- evaluate the whole plant rather than one beautiful bloom;
- distinguish main-line keepers from useful trait donors;
- rogue bright, weak, single, or poorly performing plants;
- save seed from selected pastel mothers;
- keep maternal families and controlled crosses properly labeled;
- use open pollination, isolation, reciprocal crosses, backcrosses, testers, polycrosses, and recurrent selection;
- compare family rows and replicated trials;
- measure bloom size, doubleness, stem and neck strength, productivity, foliage health, fertility, and vase performance;
- maintain genetic breadth without repeatedly resetting the project;
- harvest, sort, test, store, and inventory seed;
- plan two or even three generations in a long growing season.
The expanded advanced section introduces isolation strategies, degrees of parentage certainty, mating designs, quantitative selection, replicated trials, polyploidy, tissue culture, molecular markers, and other experimental breeding frontiers. These methods are presented with clear limits, practical decision tables, and appropriate safety boundaries.
Printable scorecards, crossing records, family-row maps, selection worksheets, isolation logs, seed inventories, troubleshooting tools, and multi-season planning forms help turn garden observations into a repeatable breeding system.
This is not a promise that every seedling will match its mother. It is a guide to improving the odds, preserving useful variation, and developing a population that becomes more dependable in your own conditions-one generation at a time.
A beautiful flower may begin the project. Careful selection builds the population.
Also from
Co, Caroline Joy y.
The 15-Plant Backyard Cut Flower Garden: A Simple 4 x 20-Foot Plan for Weekend Bouquets That Last All Week
Co, Caroline Joy y.
Paperback
The Proprioceptive Patient: A Clinical Guide to Proprioceptive Training, Body Awareness, and Sensorimotor Confidence in Physical Therapy
Co, Caroline Joy y.
Paperback
The Neurodynamic Patient: A Clinical Guide to Neurodynamic Reasoning, Nerve Mobilization, and Functional Recovery
Co, Caroline Joy y.
Paperback
The Motor Relearning Patient: A Clinical Reasoning Guide to Neurologic and Cancer Rehabilitation, Balance, Gait, and Functional Movement
Co, Caroline Joy y.
Paperback
The Myofascial Patient: Clinical Reasoning for Trigger Points, Soft Tissue Pain, and Movement Dysfunction
Co, Caroline Joy y.
Paperback
Also in
Outdoors
Building Outdoor Kitchens for Every Budget, 2nd Edition: DIY Instructions and Over 300 Photos for Attractive and Functional Kitchens No Matter Your Bu
Slavik, Diane
Cory, Steve
Paperback
Landscaping with Stone, Third Edition: Create Patios, Walkways, Walls, and Other Landscape Features
Sagui, Pat
Paperback
Ultimate Guide: Decks, Updated 6th Edition: Plan, Design, Build
Editors of Creative Homeowner
Paperback
The Beginner's Cut Flower Garden: Grow, Nourish, and Create Bliss Year-Round
Brown, Elizabeth
Hardcover
Tree Houses Within Reach: 30 Lofty Cabins, Playhouses, and Getaways You Can Actually Build
Diedricksen, Derek
Paperback
Midwest Home Landscaping Including South-Central Canada 4th Edition: 46 Landscape Designs with 200+ Plants & Flowers for Your Region
Buchanan, Rita
Holmes, Roger
Paperback
The Baofeng Radio Revolution: The Beginner Guerrilla's Guide to Break Through the Complexity, Secure Communications, and Prepare for Disaster With Pre
Code Publishing, Morse
Hardcover
How to Build Your Very Own Little Free Library: 11 Mini Structures You Can Build
Little Free Library, Little Free
Schmidt, Philip
Paperback
Gardenista: The Low-Impact Garden: A Guide to Creating Sustainable Outdoor Spaces
Wilson, Kendra
Editors of Gardenista
Hardcover
Ultimate Waterfront Home Plans: 179 Designs Ideal for Personal, Family, Company Retreats
Design America Inc
Paperback
Backyard Birds of North America: A Guide to Identifying and Attracting Your Favorite Birds
O'Sullivan, Daniel
Hardcover
Plant by Number: Design Your Dream Garden with 24 Easy, Step-By-Step Planting Plans
Tornio, Stacy
Paperback
The Wild & Free Garden: Transform Your Outdoor Space with Found Materials, Community Sharing, and Creative Ingenuity
Rose, Stephanie
Paperback
Flowering Outdoors: Gardens & Parties: Inspiring Floral Touches for Outside Spaces and Entertaining
Shaw, Margot
Hardcover
Coastal Blues: Mrs. Howard's Guide to Decorating with the Colors of the Sea and Sky
Howard, Phoebe
Hardcover
Black and Decker Deck Codes and Standards 2nd Edition: How to Design, Build, Inspect, and Maintain a Safer Deck
Barker, Bruce
Paperback
The Food Forward Garden: A Complete Guide to Designing and Growing Edible Landscapes
Douglas, Christian
Hardcover
Building Natural Ponds: Create a Clean, Algae-Free Pond Without Pumps, Filters, or Chemicals
Pavlis, Robert
Paperback
Black and Decker the Complete Guide to DIY Greenhouses 3rd Edition: Build Your Own Greenhouses, Hoophouses, Cold Frames & Greenhouse Accessories
Peterson, Chris
Editors of Cool Springs Press
Paperback
Making Practical Backyard Projects in Wood: Beautiful Things to Make in a Weekend, Including Ready-To-Use Plans & Patterns
Bridgewater, Alan
Bridgewater, Gill
McGrath, Mike
Paperback
Black and Decker Complete Guide to Patios Updated 4th Edition: A DIY Guide to Building Patios, Walkways, and Outdoor Steps
Peterson, Chris
Editors of Cool Springs Press
Paperback
Beginner's Guide to Self Sufficiency Projects for the Home: Grow Edibles, Raise Animals, Live Off the Grid & DIY
Editors of Cool Springs Press
Paperback
Terrain: The Houseplant Book: An Insider's Guide to Cultivating and Collecting the Most Sought-After Specimens
Lowrie, Melissa
Hardcover
Fences for Home and Garden: A Complete Guide to Selecting and Installing Wood, Masonry, Metal, and Living Fences
Beneke, Jeff
Paperback
The Gardener's Palette: Creating Colour Harmony in the Garden
Thompson, Jo
Royal Horticultural Society
Hardcover
Take It Outside: A Guide to Designing Beautiful Spaces Just Beyond Your Door: An Interior Design Book
DeSantis, James
Brasier, Mel
Magee, Garrett
Hardcover
Sauna Construction Handbook: A Comprehensive Guide to Building an Outdoor Sauna
Kumik, Wojciech
Paperback
The Complete Guide to Sheds Updated 4th Edition: Design and Build a Shed: Complete Plans, Step-By-Step How-To
Editors of Cool Springs Press
Paperback
Ultimate Guide to Walks, Patios & Walls, Updated 2nd Edition: Plan - Design - Build
Editors of Creative Homeowner
Paperback
The Handmade Teardrop Trailer: Design & Build a Classic Tiny Camper from Scratch
Berger, Matt
Paperback
The Kew Gardener's Guide to Growing Fruit: The Art and Science to Grow Your Own Fruit
Royal Botanic Gardens Kew
Maguire, Kay
Paperback
How to Create Your Garden: Ideas and Advice for Transforming Your Outdoor Space
Frost, Adam
Paperback
Native Plant Gardening for Birds, Bees & Butterflies: Southern California
Miller, George Oxford
Paperback
Backyard Playgrounds: Build Amazing Treehouses, Ninja Projects, Obstacle Courses, and More!
Stiles, Jeanie
Stiles, David
Paperback
Black & Decker the Complete Photo Guide to Treehouses 3rd Edition: Design and Build Your Dream Treehouse
Schmidt, Philip
Paperback
Black & Decker the Complete Guide to Decks 7th Edition: Featuring the Latest Tools, Skills, Designs, Materials & Codes
Editors of Cool Springs Press
Paperback
Northwest Home Landscaping, 4th Edition: 48 Landscape Designs, 200+ Plants & Flowers Best Suited to the Northwest
Holmes, Roger
Marshall, Don
Paperback
Stone Building: How to Make New England Style Walls and Other Structures the Old Way
Gardner, Kevin
Paperback
Trellises, Planters & Raised Beds: 50 Easy, Unique, and Useful Projects You Can Make with Common Tools and Materials
Editors of Cool Springs Press
Paperback
Chasing Eden: Design Inspiration from the Gardens at Hortulus Farm
Staub, Jack
Reynolds, Renny
Hardcover
Natural Swimming Pools America: How to Design, Build and Maintain a Chemical-Free Pool
Brooks, Hal
Paperback
California Home Landscaping, Fourth Edition: 48 Landscape Designs 200+ Plants & Flowers Best Suited to the Region
Walheim, Lance
Holmes, Roger
Paperback
Nature Play at Home: Creating Outdoor Spaces That Connect Children with the Natural World
Striniste, Nancy
Paperback
Wilderness Shelters and How to Build Them: A Fully Illustrated Guide to Log Cabins, Shelters, and Wilderness Housekeeping
Angier, Bradford
Paperback
Southeast Home Landscaping, 4th Edition: 54 Landscape Designs with 200+ Plants & Flowers for Your Region
Buchanan, Rita
Holmes, Roger
Paperback
Ultimate Guide to Planting & Growing Vegetables at Home: Get High-Yield Results with Expert Advice on Planting, Growing, Composting, and Controlling P
Editors of Creative Homeowner
Paperback
Living the Vanlife: On the Road Toward Sustainability, Community, and Joy
Grevemberg, Noami
Hardcover
Wood Gasification System: Learn the Off Grid System to Make Fuel, Power and Energy Using the Wood Gasifier
Walling, Ashton
Paperback
BuildCraft Guide to Luxury Swimming Pool Construction: Create Stunning, Customized, Pools from Scratch to Finish
Anatoly, Jeff
Paperback
Backpacking With Babies and Small Children: A guide to taking the kids along on day hikes, overnighters, and long trail trips
Goldie Silverman
Paperback
Foraging for Beginners: Edible Herbs and Plants All Year Round: (Foraging Guide, Foraging Books)
Murphy, Glen
Paperback
Ultimate Guide to Planting & Growing Vegetables at Home: Get High-Yield Results with Expert Advice on Planting, Growing, Composting, and Controlling P
Editors of Creative Homeowner
Hardcover
Indoor Mushroom Growing: The Beginner's Guide on Growing Mushrooms at Home: (Growing Mushrooms, Mushroom Gardening)
White, Jennifer
Paperback
Building Decks: All the Information You Need to Design & Build Your Own Deck
Cpi
Creative Publishing International
Paperback
Foraging Edible Plants, Herbs And Berries: A Complete Guide For Beginners: (Backyard Foraging, Foraging Plants)
Cooper, Simon
Paperback
Northeast Home Landscaping, 4th Edition: 54 Landscape Designs with 200+ Plants & Flowers for Your Region
Editors of Creative Homeowner
Paperback
The Proven Winners Garden Book: Simple Plans, Picture-Perfect Plants, and Expert Advice for Creating a Gorgeous Garden
Clausen, Ruth Rogers
Christopher, Thomas
Paperback
The Sauna Book: Wellness, Design Inspiration, and Everything You Need to Know to Create Your Own Home Sauna
Schmidt, Philip
Hardcover
Pool Maintenance DIY Beginner's Guide: The Art Of Keeping A Crystal Clear Pool All Season Long With Minimal Effort
Martin, Gabriel
Paperback
Bunkie Life, Extra Space: Create a Beautiful Space for More Time and Connection with Your Family
Fraser, David Cavan
Hardcover
Texas Home Landscaping, Including Oklahoma, 4th Edition: 48 Landscape Designs with 200+ Plants & Flowers for Your Region
Grant, Greg
Holmes, Roger
Paperback
Do-It-Yourself Garden Projects and Crafts: 60 Planters, Bird Houses, Lotion Bars, Garlands, and More
Wolfe, Debbie
Paperback
Backyard Homesteading & Market Gardening: 2-in-1 Compilation Step-By-Step Guide to Start Your Own Self Sufficient Sustainable Mini Farm on a 1/4 Acre
Footprint Press, Small
Paperback
Knot Tying: How to Tie Basic Rope Knots for Outdoors (Untie All Manner of Everyday Knots in Different Styles)
Espino, Dionne
Paperback
Foraging: Beginner's Guide to Foraging Mushrooms and Berries: (Foraging Books, Forager Book)
Williams, Carla
Paperback
The Robotic Lawn Mower Owners Handbook: The Real-World Guide for Managing Complex Yards, Maximizing Efficiency, and Eliminating Edging with Robotic Mo
Richards, Paul William
Paperback
American Roots: Lessons and Inspiration from the Designers Reimagining Our Home Gardens
McCullough, Allison
Woodard, Teresa
McCullough, Nick
Hardcover
Kew Answers for Everyday Gardeners: 100 Questions Answered
Stevens, Polly
Royal Botanic Gardens Kew
Hardcover
Deck Ideas You Can Use - Updated Edition: Stunning Designs & Fantastic Features for Your Dream Deck
Peterson, Chris
Paperback
Thriving in Lavender Fields: A Comprehensive Guide to Successful Lavender Farming Business - Cultivation, Marketing, and Profits
Morris, Adams U.
Paperback
Microshelters: 59 Creative Cabins, Tiny Houses, Tree Houses, and Other Small Structures
Diedricksen, Derek
Paperback
Black & Decker the Complete Guide to Landscape Projects, 2nd Edition: Stonework, Plantings, Water Features, Carpentry, Fences
Editors of Cool Springs Press
Paperback
National Geographic Birds, Bees, and Butterflies: Bringing Nature Into Your Yard and Garden
Hajeski, Nancy J.
Hardcover
Horsekeeping on a Small Acreage: Designing and Managing Your Equine Facilities
Hill, Cherry
Paperback
Little Free Libraries & Tiny Sheds: 12 Miniature Structures You Can Build
Little Free Library, Little Free
Schmidt, Philip
Paperback
Evolución deportiva e histórica de los botes de vela latina en Las Palmas de Gran Canaria: 1876-1962
Vega, Moisés Morán
Paperback
Backyard Woodland: How to Maintain and Sustain Your Trees, Water, and Wildlife
Vanbrakle, Josh
Paperback
Creative Garden Design: Patterns: Inspiring Ideas for Creating Mood, Proportion, and Scale for Every Landscape
Wallington, Jack
Hardcover
Raising Goats For Beginners 2022-202: Step-By-Step Guide to Raising Happy, Healthy Goats For Milk, Cheese, Meat, Fiber, and More With The Most Up-To-D
Footprint Press, Small
Hardcover
Vegetable Gardening Wisdom: Daily Advice and Inspiration for Getting the Most from Your Garden
Trimble, Kelly Smith
Paperback