Breeding for strong stems

As I get more knowledge of characteristics I want to breed into flowers one that I have found is that bulbs that I have gotten from Mitch’s stock usually have nice strong stems.  Any hints on strategies in getting this trait into my breeding program.

I really hate seeing a nice flower head laying in the dirt because of  a wimpy stem that gets beat up by rain or just  falls over in a vase.  There are so many traits I’d like to see in my future babies but too few years to accomplish developing the perfect daffodil.

 

1 comment for “Breeding for strong stems

  1. Bill,

    Use the best strong stems of things you’ve got. Don’t use wimpy, lax stems. Try and pay attention to the necks as well. Short necks with good pose and the flowers held above the foliage are important attributes. Grant Mitsch, Elise Havens, David Jackson, Brian Duncan, Dr. John Reed, Dr. Peter Ramsay, myself and most other hybridizers pay close attention to stems and necks when breeding and selecting.

    Steve

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