Hybridizing

Which theory do you use? According to my count, there are only 4 different hybridizing theories to choose from:

1. The bees-did-it theory. Take a walk through almost any iris field a month after the last bloom and you will likely encounter at least a hand full of bee pods. While you were busy looking at your flowers, the bees were busy spreading your pollen. But, from where? With this theory, you’ll know the mother, but who-da-daddy? To some, it really doesn’t matter.
2. The theory of luck. It must have just been my lucky day. When I went into the garden that particular morning, there were only 2 freshly opened flowers. I found some pollen on the first one and put it on the second. Look what I got from that lucky cross on that lucky day!
3. The I-did-it theory. I studied all the pedigrees and I observed the results that the other hybridizes were getting. I just knew that if I crossed this one to that one, that I would get something better. It took me 3 tries but I finally got what I was after. Look what I’ve done!
4. The Creation theory. No hybridizer that I know has the least bit of control over how the various chromosomes from one parent will combine with the chromosomes from the other. To remind us of the possibilities, like snowflakes, each and every seed in the pod is unique. Proverbs 19:21 “We make many plans, but the LORD will do what he has decided.”

I only use theory #4

Should you consider hybridizing? Here’s how I describe the DIFFERENCE between growing someone else’s iris and growing your own creations. Growing commercially introduced varieties is like eating a good hamburger. But growing your own creations is like eating steak. The difference is THAT significant!