I would like to try my luck with hybridizing. Can someone steer me in the right direction? I think I understand what I need to do, but an online video showing this would be helpful. I have looked for one, but haven't had any luck.

Also, it's going to be "rainy" for the next few days, is this not a good time to try?

Thanks,
Sandy

Walter Moore's instructions from a previous post.

1. Leave seed pod on stalk in sun to dry and partially split open . . .another month or two
depending on where you live.

2. Harvest pod and shell seeds into paper cup indoors.

3. Let dry, stirring occasionally.

4. Place seed in pill bottle.

5. Place in freezer.

6. In late October or early November, depending on where you live, plant seeds in a pot with
a mixture of about 2/3 potting soil and the rest your own garden soil.

7. Sink pot into the ground with its edge about 1/2 inch exposed. Water during dry spells.

8. Germination comes in early spring.

9. Line out seedlings in mid to late May (later in colder climates).

10. Two years from seed, you'll enjoy bloom in most cases.

S.

I have Rare Treat, and it does have a stigmatic lip. You have to kinda' lift the style arm up a little to get to the lip. Right? To all you pro's out there!

S.

Truth is, I love my own creations more than the ones I buy on the market. It's so exciting to see what you come up with.

I put no thought whatsoever into my crosses. What happens happens. But I have found that "Silverado" pods have really done well for me. I could not even tell you who the 'daddy's' are because I will use whatever pollen is available when the time is right....and I will use the pollen from more than one plant on any given cross.

Have fun.

Thanks. That one is a keeper! Has everything I needed to know, and more!

S.

Thanks

I plant each cross in a gallon pot, up to 50 seeds per pot. Then I dig a hole for the pot. Leaving about an inch above ground. This helps to keep soil temps more even. If above ground they can get warm enough to sprout to early and freeze. Plant in late October to November before ground freezes.

For you germination about Late April to all of May. If you happen to forget to plant in the fall planting in March will work. Walter lives in the south so he freezes seeds.

Check out my instructions on how to push seedlings. With it I get about 60% first year bloom and 90% will bloom second year.

You can check my other pages to see it works for me.

Mike G

Sandy