Selecting Seedlings

Carolyn Schaffner wrote:

:  I keep waiting for hybridizers to
:  put words to the experience of choosing -- maybe listening to hybridizers
:  would help train the eye/mind to see what's truely good! On the one hand,
:  good is one that grows well, on the other, it's pattern on the bloom.

Yes.  Both are necessary.  That's why I view the process of elimination as more
important for seedling evaluation than the process of selection.   Sometimes I
evaluate the plant first, sometimes the flower.  It depends on the line. But it
has to pass the test on both counts to merit introduction.   I do keep a few of
the also-rans around for inspiration (what I REALLY want is THIS flower on THAT
plant!) and object lessons for garden visitors who inquire:   WHY, oh WHY didn't
you introduce that one?  

In some lines, I'm trying to improve on existing colors and patterns -- like
truer blues and blacker blacks.  The seedlings are relatively consistent.  There
will usually be several that are noticeably "improved", so I select the one with
the best plant.  These are fairly easy to cull as either the trait is an
improvement or it isn't.   Sometimes, even though it's "improved" it still
doesn't appeal to me.  This year, for example,  I got a halfbred with a signal
so large that I don't consider it attractive! 

I also make a lot of test crosses designed to provide information about
genetics.  I don't expect as large a percentage of good seedlings from this type
of cross, but it's where the pattern breakthroughs pop up.  Some of these turn
out to be spectacular flowers, so I evaluate the plant.   It should be neither
invasive nor suicidal, but rather provide dependable increase and bloom.  

I know it's hard to understand why one particular seedling was introduced
without seeing the hundreds that were discarded and in the final analysis the
decision IS somewhat subjective.  For example, I have three seedlings I've been
watching for several years.  Their growth habits are comparable.  Their flowers
are so much alike that it takes careful examination to tell them apart.  White
standards, mint green falls, deep chocolate beard, with fine chocolate
"sprinkles" flanking the beard.  Only one should be introduced, but even I won't
know what the deciding factor is going to be until I see it!

Too general?  Consider the floor open to questions. 
More than you wanted to know?  Class dismissed!

Sharon McAllister (73372.1745@compuserve.com)
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