2013 First-Class Forever Stamp,Vintage Seed Packets: Zinnias

U.S. # 4759
2013 46¢ Zinnia
Vintage Seed Packets

Zinnias are one of the easiest annual flowers to maintain. They grow quickly and bloom heavily even in poor soil conditions. And because they’re native to Mexico, these brightly hued flowers tolerate full sun and relatively dry conditions. In fact, the most likely threats to zinnias are conditions brought about by watering the foliage. For that reason, experts advise watering the ground and roots rather than the entire plant. Zinnias are ideal for mixed borders and mass plantings, where their solitary blossoms brighten the flowerbed. They also look great in bouquets and should be picked often to promote even more blossoms.

Vintage seed packets have grown in popularity over the years.  Some people collect them – searching for packets in mint condition, from specific companies or with certain types of illustrations.  Their fine artwork is also popular among decorators who frame them for a rustic look.  They’re even used by scientists and historians to study these plants’ evolution. 

U.S. Postal Service art director Antonio Alcala designed the Vintage Seed Packet stamps.  He based these designs on photographs from 1910s and 1920s seed packets.  The image for the zinnia stamp was based on a seed packed produced for the William D. Burt Seed Co. of New York.

Value: 46¢ First-Class letter rate
Issued:  April 5, 2013
First Day City:  Oaks, PA – Philadelphia Stamp Exhibition
Type of Stamp: Definitive
Printed by: Avery Dennison
Method: Photogravure printing in double-sided panes of 20 (convertible booklet format)
Perforation: Die Cut 10 ¾
Self-Adhesive
Quantity Printed: 40,000,000 stamps

Though not an established series, flowers have long been a popular subject for U.S. stamps.  One of the earliest issues to feature a flower as a prominent design subject was U.S. #977, honoring Moina Michael, the founder of Poppy Day.