Cult: Hybridizing & Arilbreds ...was Expert Prescence

SHARLYN-ROCHA wrote:
> 

>         1. When we crossed Clouds Adrift x Lady Friend we were never successful.
>  Are there some iris that just won't cross?  Or did we do it wrong?  We put
> a brown paper bag over the pods to keep out the insects and keep the cross
> pure.  Was this what caused the problem?  Was this necessary?
> Is there a certain time of day that is better for pollinating?
>         2. Our arilbred, Pink Betterment, has sent up an 18" bloom stalk that is
> getting ready to open.  The stalk has drooped way over almost to the ground
> so we put in a stick and tied it up.  We have never had this problem
> before.  Is this a quality of arilbreds or could it be something  else?
> 

Sharlyn,

There are some iris that are not fertile.  Either pollen or pod.  I know
for a fact that Lady Friend is fertile but do not know about Clouds
Adrift.  Any number of factors may have contributed to your cross not
taking.  The pollen could have been moist, moist pollen is destroyed or
the stigmatic lip was not receptive; either damaged or dried up. I never
use any covering when I make a cross as most insects have a hard time
finding the stigmatic lip.  Many say that mid-morning is the best time
to make crosses, but I make them with success at any time of the day.

Arilbred stalks grow very quickly when they are ready to bloom and the
stalks are terribly affected by temperature changes.  Some more so than
others.  You were wise to use a stake.  Otherwise you would not have
been happy watching Pink Betterment snaking and blooming along the
ground.  I am ever watchful of this condition with my arilbreds and
sometimes use hundreds of bamboo stakes during my bloom season which
just happens to be now.  This year they are being well behaved as our
temps are fairly consistant. 

Rick Tasco
Superstition Iris Gardens
Central California
Zone 8
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