How do I try to stablize an F1 or F2 cross?

15 years ago

I had two delphiniums that were open pollinated last season they are from a Pacific Giant Mix seed packet. I had no other delphs. The two plants appeared identical. Out of the 30+ babies there is one that has variegated leaves. I suspected this was due to a virus and the little plant would die. However, it now has two variegated leaves, a new one emerging from the center and a new stalk coming up. I suspect that the new stalk will be all green, but the little guy seems to be doing very well. My question is, if the variegated plant survives, how do I preserve it? Do I need to try and grow it out this season and then take stool cuttings? What about gathering seed? I don't know that option would do anything to keep the variegation going? What in the world can I do to preserve it? Any HELP would be greatly appreciated. Also, if it blooms, can I cross with anything to try and see if I get some interesting results? I have the same situation with one columbine and three hostas....not the variegation, but a new color in one casae, and a tremendous difference in size in the other. I just can't believe I've been that lucky. CAn someone put my feet back on the ground? I just don't know what to do with these extremely differnt seedlings. Thanks SO much, SAM

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Comments (2)

maineman
15 years ago
SAM,

The process of stabilizing an F1 hybrid is called dehybridization. Basically, you grow a lot of seeds from the hybrid and select only the one or the few that most resemble the original hybrid and repeat that process. Dehybridization involves growing and discarding a lot of seedlings, so it is best done if you have a lot of growing space.

I plan to dehybridize a few of my very best zinnia hybrids, which are hybrids between hybrids. In order to get a large number of seeds from my selected hybrid, I plan to multiply it by cuttings to get a number of clones to produce a large original seed crop. If necessary, I will repeat that process in successive stages of the dehybridization.

There is a lot of information in cyberspace on the subject of dehybridization.

MM
echinaceamaniac
15 years ago
I'd take some cuttings when the plant gets larger (at least one). You don't want to have just one of them. I wish you could post a picture of it. I bet it's beautiful. I love variegated plants! A lot of times with variegated plants, the variegation doesn't come through with seeds so you may have to multiply it with a different method like cuttings or tissue culture.
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