Hybridizing Progress

We have babies!

We also have mold problems.  That's OK.  I have culled the seeds that sprouted mold instead of roses, and I'm hoping some of the others will be encouraged to grow a bit more.  I had read that mold is a common problem with seedlings; I've also read that washing the seeds in diluted hydrogen peroxide is the way to avoid said problem.  Sadly, I read it a bit too late to make use of the idea.  Next year.

But we have babies!  Check it out:

We started with a little sprout. . .

Friends decided to join in. . .

I have anticipated about a 15 - 20% germination rate.  I've read sources that say it's more like 5%, and others that say it's 40%.  I figure as a complete amateur, if I get anything viable, I'm kicking ass.  The mother on these little guys is Candyland CL:

Candyland CL.  Isn't she pretty?  Major bloom machine and good disease resistance (if not perfect, but who is?)

I'll keep the father to myself for now.  Let's see how it grows first!  I am hoping for a multi-colored striped rose, with a moderate fragrance and fewer thorns than Candyland CL.  Honestly, I'll be thrilled with anything that lives for 3 years or longer and looks good.

The leaves get bigger, the shoots get bigger. . .

Here you can see the seed case and the first two leaves.  The top seedling is just barely starting to add more leaves, if you look really closely.  The one of the bottom tried to grow a bit upside-down.  I've turned it right-side up, and hope it'll recover.  The silver stars are my row markers, so I know which seedlings are which.  I have tried three crosses.

Here is where we stand today; a total of five happy little seedlings.  I suspect we will have a few more soon!

More posts to come!  In the meantime, check out the American Rose Society and the Rose Hybridizers Association for excellent rose information.