HYB:Seedlings:Selection

Germination on the  2006 seed crop looks to be 50-75% and most survived the 
early melt down.   Thank goodness for the ability of irises, even the 
seedlings, to  recover.  They were covered with a 4-6 inch layer of straw!  In  
addition, I waited to uncover them until almost dark on the first day of above  
freezing night temperatures, then I soaked the pots.   Either it was  the thing to 
do or they would have been okay anyway!    
I'd like to say I have  them all planted, but that would take 10 of the beds 
I use and Chris (my son)  only had two ready.  Those two beds are full and the 
rest will have to wait  until fall.  We are renovating the garden and 
downsizing on introduced  varieties to free up more garden space for the seedlings.  
I can't take  care of what I have so expanding the garden doesn't make sense!  
With the  new design, he will be mowing paths between the beds.  More path, 
less  beds!  I'll have to live with it!   
Of the 58 crosses only  a couple failed to produce at least one seedling.  I 
was able to plant at  least one from each of 32 crosses.  Sad that I couldn't 
plant all.    
Selection?  What  to plant and what to leave in the pots? Mainly, I chose to 
go with variety  and rebloom.  I selected as I planted . . . two crosses at a 
time.  In  most cases I planted 12-20 per cross and left many in the pots!  I 
tried to  lift carefully to not disturb the roots of those left.  There are at 
least  12 each of all Matrix crosses & Pink Attraction crosses.    
I did devote 40 spaces  to the blue on blue cross.  Just couldn't resist one 
more attempt.   Seedlings contain Immortality (many times), Codicil, 
Silverado, Glistening  Icicle, Feed Back, Titan's Glory, Violet Miracle, Pledge 
Alligance, &  Beau Zam!  Very strong seedlings.   
There were reciprocal  crosses with Again & Again X Tara's Choice.  I planted 
20 of  each.  This should be enough to give me some idea of what the crosss  
produced if I don't get the rest planted for awhile!  I expect chaos!   Or 
will they just look like the Lemon Reflection x All Revved Up crosses?   Solid 
colors with overlays?  I admit I haven't a clue!    
I planted 12 from  Again & Again X Echo Location!  I expect red on yellow 
plicatas from  this one!  It's what I expect but who knows??   
Still having  fun!  
 
________________________________________________________
Betty W.  in South-central KY Zone 6 ---If you don't cross them, you can't 
plant them!  
Bridge In Time Iris Garden@website:
Where the seeds are in the pots once  again! 
_www.thegardensite.com/irises/bridgeintime/_ 
(http://www.thegardensite.com/irises/bridgeintime/) 
_Reblooming Iris - Home Page_ (http://www.rebloomingiris.com/)  
_iris-photos archives_ (http://www.hort.net/lists/iris-photos/)  
_iris-talk archives_ (http://www.hort.net/lists/iris-talk/)  
_AIS: American Iris Society website_ (http://www.irises.org/)   






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