Coming in July of 2025!
On-Site Breeding Workshop
Class of 2024!
Learn in Our Fields
Workshop Demonstrations and Instruction
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Hands-on experience
Individual Instruction as Needed
On-Site Breeding Workshop Testimonials
"This was an amazing workshop - I am filled with inspiration, ideas and excitement. Thank you for bringing so much knowledge to the table and sharing years of experience and love of flowers to us all. Truly, you have changed my flower growing forever and I'm so grateful."
On-Site Breeding Workshop
– Camilla H., California
– Camilla H., California
"This has truly been and unforgetable experience...I can't even put into words how much I've enjoyed this workshop!"
On-Site Breeding Workshop
– Kelly D., Oklahoma
– Kelly D., Oklahoma
"This whole experience has been a dream come true. I feel like I am walking away with the tools, knowledge and bonus seeds to start my own [zinnia breeding] journey".
On-Site Breeding Workshop
– Anonymous Evaluation Feedback
– Anonymous Evaluation Feedback
In Depth Zinnia Breeding
Have you wanted to know more about zinnia breeding?
Do you learn best hearing, seeing and when using your hands? If so, this workshop is for you.
Join us for a comprehensive on-site workshop where we'll cover all the topics covered in my book in greater detail as well as go deeper into the specific topics you would like to know more about.
We Share It All
You get the behind-the-scenes look and hear about our seed starting set up and growing space as well as learn everything we do including bed layout, irrigation, amendments and pest management.
Bonus: get a sneak peek at the blooms we're working on for the future!
Learn By Doing
You'll get to play in our fields where you'll collect green seed, take cuttings, as well as practice multiple pollination and isolation techniques with your own hands.
You'll clean, sort, process, package yourself and see how we store seeds.
In addition, you learn all the tips and tricks we use throughout the breeding cycle as well as our latest experiment results.
Workshop Topics
We will start at the beginning of the breeding cycle, generally following the sequence of topics as covered in my book, The Zinnia Breeder's Handbook. Topics will be split into two days (see below).
We'll also share more specifics and details than covered in the book and incorporate corresponding hands-on experiences.
You don't have to have breeding experience or read the book.
However, reading the book first may help you get the maximum benefit from the workshop, so is recommended.
Day 1*
We'll cover and answer all of your questions about
- the zinnia family
- basic and dominant traits
- optimum growing conditions
- common pest and disease solutions
- determining goals and choosing strategies for your situation
- breeding traits including color groups and breeding for color
- anatomy
- specifics about and different types of crosses
Day 2 *
We'll cover and answer all your questions about
- simple genetics to avoid incompatible crosses
- several types of propagation and media
- isolation strategies and pollinators
- labeling and recordkeeping
- collecting, cleaning and storing seed
- growing indoors
- identifying seed viability
- maintaining vigor
* Subject to change as circumstances warrant
Workshop Time
Both days we'll be here at the farm from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy as you choose.
Our summer afternoons get very hot. Fortunately, we are just a 30 minute drive to South Lake Tahoe where you can relax and cool off in the afternoon if you wish.
Details
In order to provide the best experience allowing everyone maximum participation, class will be limited in size to 12 students (6 minimum to cover costs).
Address, parking, local places to stay and eat as well as check-in details will be sent after purchase.
You will also be sent a questionnaire to help us best tailor the workshop to your interests, including asking for questions and specifics you want to learn more about.
Sustenance
Light refreshments (including water) will be provided.
We will finish before lunch both days. There are several local lunch eateries at multiple price points in our area.
Investment
You'll walk away with exclusive information, hands-on experience, loads of goodies (including seeds), and my favorite resources.
$400 for both days. We will not cancel for weather. No refunds except in the case of not enough participants.
FAQs
Q. What is the nearest Airport?
A. Reno
Q. Where can I stay closest to the farm?
A. The Historian Inn or Carson Valley Inn in Gardnerville or Minden are the closest.
Q. How long is the drive from the airport to the farm?
A. About 50 minutes.
Q. How far are the closest places to stay from the farm?
A. Less than 10 minutes. There are other options in Carson City, roughly 20-30 minutes from the farm.
Q. What can I expect regarding the weather?
A. Our weather can be unpredictable. Generally, it is very hot (around 95° at peak 4:00 PM) and it can be less than 20% humidity. In addition, we are at 4750 ft elevation. It is important to stay hydrated and to protect your skin with a hat, sunscreen, etc. Alternatively, we can get summer thunderstorms. We recommend you check the Gardnerville, NV weather on your app closely for a few days before you come so you’re prepared.
2025 On-Site Breeding Workshop
Still have questions about the workshop?
I'm happy to answer any questions you have before you sign up. Use the contact form below and I'll get back to you within 1-2 days.