Hybrid Happenings

[Jerry Shilling]

This year I ended up with approximately 1300 seedlings (almost capacity). By early November I must decide on about 50 or so to take to the next level, as I will need this space for the next batch of seeds. I do my hybridizing Nov. through March.

Last year I had about 600 seedlings and by November had eliminated all but 50. That's all the room I can allocate. Which means this years crop will also be thinned out to the top 50 by April or so. So by November, I will need to eliminate these guys by at least 80%. Today, I would probably keep these seven.

 

[Jerry Shilling]

These guys have made it all the way to being planted.

 

[annafl]

Lots of tedious and hard work, but it's got to be very gratifying and the payoff is big. Those planted ones are amazing. What will you name those, Jerry?

Ana

 

[Bullwinkle]

Those look great Jerry,you have inspired me to try some hybridizing once my plants start flowering.

 

[keith]

Jerry, I know you live in the keys if you do your hybridizing Nov. through march. Here in Bradenton I dont even try at that time of year because most of the seed dont come up. I bought a heat mat a couple of years ago and it works, but I havent used it but one time.

 

[Phil Stager]

Keith brought up a good point. For those of us in central Florida, it's too cold for successful germination and growth after 1-November. Given the fairly short time that croton seed stays viable, half the year is not available unless you have a greenhouse.

 

[annafl]

It's still a miracle to me how these plants can be created with a little mixing of DNA, dirt and water. I'd love to learn how to do it. Jerry, Chris, Keith, and others who do it regularly, it would be great if someone would go through the steps and how-to for all of us newbies to learn how. I'd love to create something as beautiful as any of your seedlings.

 

[Jeff Searle]

Jerry....you are certainly a man POSSESSED!!! That new green and yellow seedling is gorgeous.

 

[Jerry Shilling]

Here's a hybrid I put in the ground in April. It had been in a more shaded area and decided to give it more sun. It has really colored up. The photo of the green one is a cutting I took and is located in the shade.

I have kept this one around because of it's pronounced ruffling. I'm looking forward to crossing this guy...Pie Crust would be interesting.

Does this plant resemble any of the known cultivars out there?