I actually set the seed for this cross in 2012, but I didn’t
make any attempt to speed the seedlings along (quite the reverse, since I was
suffering a shortage of space), so they are just starting to come into bloom.
This is a very good example between the difference between
active management (which can theoretically get you from seed to flower in 4
months) and lazy management (where overcrowded seedlings can stay small for
years).
I had high hopes for this cross, and the first bloom seemed
to fulfill those hopes. It was intensely colored, with some pleasing patterning
that clearly came from Fire and Ice.
My excitement stayed high with the second bloom. It had very
strong markings, and a nice touch of yellow at the throat.
My excitement waned with the third bloom and on. Many of the
seedlings are lovely, having strong or interesting markings, but there is
almost no variation in terms of color. After my previous two crosses – both of
which displayed a huge range in color and patterning – the lack of variation
was a bit of a let-down.
Plus, some of the flowers showed a mutation that pulled the
central petal to one side (because it was cut significantly more deeply on one
side than the other). Not the best of mutations, in my opinion – I admit that I
like the symmetry of a “normal” strep flower.
Still, I have plenty more seedlings to go, and the most
recent seedling has re-kindled some of my excitement. So pretty!
No comments:
Post a Comment