HYB - TB: Reg. 7 Irisarian Reprints #15

> A series of articles reprinted from the Region 7 IRISARIAN with myself as
> Editor in 1990-91.  [Gary Sides--Jan. 1998:  Posted to Iris-L]
> 
EAST COAST PHILOSOPHY
Sterling Innerst     Dover, PA
	    
My philosophy concerning my iris breeding is to add another dimension to
the enjoyment that I receive from growing irises.  At the same time I look
to produce irisies that please me.  Vigor is one of the most important
characteristics in producing a new iris.  If it does not grow well, I do
not keep it long regardless of its beauty.  After vigor, I look for all the
other qualities that make an iris a pleasing garden plant.
	    
I started hybridizing in '69, and at times have lined-out 20,000 seedlings.
 However, I usually grow between 5000 and 8000 bearded seedlings.  I make
crosses for TBs, BBs, IBs and SDBs.  I usually end up with between 150 and
200 different crosses.  Many crosses with just one pod, but often from 3 to
5 pods of the same cross.  It takes one year after lining out to get 75%
maiden bloom.  I always keep the field another year for those that did not
bloom the first year.
	    
I guess my favorite area of breeding is my plicata line.  The most
interesting being the reblooming line.  COLORWATCH X INSTRUCTOR cross had
52 seedlings.  Seven rebloomed the first fall after maiden spring bloom. 
All were better formed than COLORWATCH.  They all rebloomed in October.  I
potted 4 of them and put in the greenhouse to make crosses.  I have 6 pods
maturing at this time (12-11-89).  Each of the seven rebloomers were
different and very good.  The best had gold standards with cream falls
trimmed red.  All had spring branching and stalks in the fall with 7 to 9
buds.  I think that I'm going to outcross this line to IMMORTALITY in hopes
of getting earlier rebloom and more of it spread throughout the summer.  If
I can get this in the first generation, I should be able to get many pure
plics in the second--getting away from the self influence of IMMORATALITY.
	    
I also have gotten 2 yellow trimmed blue-purple plics.  One from POINT MADE
X (Colortart x Capricious) and the other from POINT MADE X HANDSOME sib. 
One will be introduced in '90 or '91 as TENNESSEE GENTLEMAN.  I have many
'89 seeds from crossing the two seedlings.
	    
The only advice to novices is to use the newest available irises in your
beginnings.  Also, narrow your interest to a couple or several areas so as
to control your program.
Other Mailing lists | Author Index | Date Index | Subject Index | Thread Index