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Dahlias
This is a photo of a Dahlia plant I cross- bred three years ago (this is its second year.) I also have an identical plant (smaller) which came true from seed. The parent plants were £1-75 jobs from Poundstretcher. I try to cross Dahlias every year. Most work but some are better than others. Good fun though!
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They are lovely, Mel M, what were the 2 original colours you crossed? And how did you do it?
Hi Swiss Sue
If I remember rightly one plant was purple and the other a lemony/bronze, both Paeony flowered, although this does not matter so long as one is not Anemone, Decorative or Cactus flowered because those are difficult. Single, Collerette or Peony flowered are the easiest. It is best to try several flowers on each plant.
Simply place and fix a plastic bag over an emerging flower on each plant BEFORE they open, this way they cannot be pollinated by bees. When both flowers open fully, choose which one you want to be 'mother', remove the plastic bags, pluck off the 'father' flower then pat the centre of the flowers together, gently but thoroughly, to transfer the pollen. Do this quickly so as to beat the bees or other insects. That is it. Do remember to label that flower so you do not remove it when dead heading. I put a label on the stem and a piece of white tape around the stem next to the flower - just in case.
Wait until that flower head dies back and turns brown then remove it to a windowsill to completely dry out before removing the seeds. Store in a paper envelope. Sow in gentle heat (60f) in late March - plant out in May after the frosts.
Best of luck.
Great, thanks Mel, will definitely try that, wish me luck.