Re: Re: Seed germination

Hi Patricia,

Our seedlings look just like miniature iris fans. The very first that
pop through the soil are tiny spear like leaves, usually quickly having
two distinct leaves showing. They develop roots that can be anywhere
from an inch long to three to four inches long by the time they reach
3-5 inches in height and develop a true 'fan'. 

I think Gordon Plough had the best seedling bed I have ever seen. It was
a raised bed about 4' X 8' bordered by poured concrete. Gordon refreshed
several inches of top soil each season, removing the old soil and any
seed that may not have germinated in the process. he was a Master at
keeping detailed records of his iris. 
He insisted that anyone, who attempts to hybridized or grow any plant,
must maintain detailed records if their goal is to obtain plants worthy
of introduction. (This includes a chart of plant locations).
He was an inspiration to us as beginning hybridizers way back in 1963.
We took Gordon at his word and have faithfully maintained records of all
crosses throughout the years. We always chart the plant locations! This
proved especially valuable when our neighbors ducks and/or chickens
thought The tags were something to peck at resulting in their removal.
When we get too old and decrepit to continue our program of hybridizing,
this information will be available to those youngsters who want to
improve on what we have accomplished.
However, at 67 and 72 years young, Vicki and Jim Craig plan to continue
hybridizing for many more years. Gardening helps to keep us agile and
young at heart. Just think, our good friend Bennett Jones is in his 85th
year. What about Currier McEwen, Rosalie and our many seniors who are
active iris growers and hybridizers. I know there are more of you out
there!
Yet, we are very happy that we have younger enthusiasts to join us in
carrying on. So I encourage all of you to continue to try and create
(through selective crosses) better iris. Iris that will give longer
seasons of bloom, iris that will rebloom, iris which fall into various
classes. It is a wide open field especially for those who can see beyond
the TB classification. 
There are Medians, Siberians, Louisanas, Arils, Onco's, Spurias, etc.
So go for it!!! But give Mother Nature a wee bit of help (raised beds
for bearded iris in wet winter seasons, shaded beds ( as Arnold Ferguson
has) for Aril to keep the rain off, in a wet winter season and so on. In
other words, try to repeat the natural growing conditions of the
original species. 
Have a specific goal in mind whether it be a specific color, flower form
i.e. Space Ager's, or  classification such as Standard Dwarf Bearded
with pink standards and blue falls with a white beard, or  You name
it!!! Select a program for hybridizing and stick to it. It may take
years to accomplish your goal! What a challenge, what a great way to
look forward to the next season!!
Good Luck!

Vicki

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