I haven't really bought brand new plants for hybridizing, but I do normally let a new arrival bloom at least one flower so that I can be sure of its identity.

When you buy a new bare root plant and it puts up a scape, it's really your choice whether you want it to have a head start on blooming or a head start on growing. I wouldn't recommend setting pods on it, but obviously the pollen is perfectly good to use for hybridizing.

Nate

I remember the first time I ordered from Maryotts my daylilies started sending out scapes right away that fall. I emailed Maryotts & Bill promptly replied that it was perfectly ok to let it bloom. They did quite well, so I have always done that since & have had no problem.

I've had plants that came in with scapes but would only allow 1 or 2 buds to bloom before I cut the scape. Last year though, I got RAMBUNCTIOUS ROSIE (plus some others of Judy Davissons) and it bloomed and I cut the scape off then it bloomed again at which time I did set pod on it. Looking at how it has grown so far this year, it has not skipped a beat.
I'm thinking it all depends on the cultivar and how big it is when you get it and how early in the season it was planted. Just my thoughts.

Julia

When new plants arrive, I will let them bloom to make sure it's the correct cultivar. Important -as you might not find this out for another year if you wait. sometimes the new ones are on a different timetable and want to rebloom during that first year. Usually I will cut rebloom scapes in order to let the plant establish more for the next year.

I always let one bloom open then cut any others the first year. It hurts, but I want the energy in the plant, not the blooms. But I have to see that first one.
kay