Re: Expert Prescence
- To: Multiple recipients of list <i*@rt66.com>
- Subject: Re: Expert Prescence
- From: "* G* C* <j*@erols.com>
- Date: Mon, 24 Mar 1997 19:26:08 -0700 (MST)
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?
>
Sharon -- Some irises won't set seed, but may have potent pollen. Some
have no pollen, but will set seed. Some are sterile both ways. If you
don't know the properties of both of your varieties, the best thing to
do is make the cross both ways, assuming that both have pollen. I have
heard that Lady Friend is fertile both ways. Thus, you may wish to try
Lady Friend x Clouds Adrift. I have Lady Friend in my garden, but
haven't tried any crosses yet. I intend to do so this year. As to Clouds
Adrift, perhaps one of our fellow listers will let us know of its
fertility.
Like Rick, I don't bother to cover my flowers after pollination, unless
rain is threatening. Rain will kill pollen. Then I use a plastic bag
lightly draped over the blossom. I have made crosses this way, even with
the rain. However, I believe that the odds for achieving a cross are
best if the pollination is done before 10 a.m. Earl Roberts, from whom I
learned, believed that the heat of the day sets the iris "juices"
flowing, i.e., speeds up the reception of the pollen by the pod
parent-to-be. Also, the condition of the pollen makes a big difference,
I believe. If it easily brushes off against the tip of your finger, it's
really ripe.
Let us know how it goes.
Griff Crump, near Mount Vernon, VA jgcrump@erols.com
