day lilies from seed?

[Jim Lang]

Ann --

the explaination on growing them is excellent -- but I have a question. Do the they come true from seed? If you have several or lots how far apart do they need to be to avoid crosses? I have always used divisions but might try seeds. I don't find any seedlings around except for the common (wild?) orange color.
Jim

[Jim Lang]

If you plant the seeds what are you going to get? Just surprises or will the revert to the wild (orange)?

[Ann B.]

Like Bob says, they will not usually come true from seed primarily because of cross pollination. Insects can carry pollen a very long way. If you want to create a new hybrid, just make sure to cover the bloom before it opens with material such as a piece of Frost Blanket or several layers of guaze, etc. that will allow light and moisture in, allow the bloom to breath, but not allow bugs to pollinate it.

When the flower opens, remove the cover, hand pollinate it with the desired pollen, replace the cover, and if you are fortunate, it will go to seed, and you can create your own hybrid.

They will not revert to the hardier orange one unless the two that you are crossing both have hardy orange genes. You never know what you are going to get if you just let nature take it's course, but the stongest 'genes' will prevail just as with in other plant or animal.

Usually, hybrizers will select parent plants with the characteristics they desire, and hope for the best. Once they find a quality flower and desirable flower and plant, they proceed from there with tissue culture, etc.

Not all day lillies will produce seeds, so don't get discouraged. The conditions have to be right for them to do so.

Meanwhile, it is fun to try and wait to discover what you will get...

Enjoy!