How Flower Breeders Discover New Flower Varieties

Flower breeders discover new flower varieties through a careful and systematic process that combines natural and controlled methods of plant reproduction. Here's a florist overview of the key steps they typically follow:

1. Selection of Parent Plants

Flower breeders begin by selecting two parent plants with desirable traits, such as unique colors, shapes, sizes, or resistance to disease. These traits are identified from various varieties or species.

2. Cross-Pollination

To create a new variety, breeders cross-pollinate two different plants. This can be done either by transferring pollen from one flower to another by hand (in controlled breeding) or by relying on natural pollinators (like bees) in an open field. This cross-pollination combines the genetic traits of both parent plants.

3. Seed Harvesting and Growing

Once pollination occurs, seeds are harvested from the fertilized flowers and planted to produce new plants. The offspring of the cross-pollination will inherit a mix of traits from both parents.

4. Selection of Promising Progeny

After the new plants grow, breeders evaluate them for their characteristics. Only those plants that display the best traits (e.g., better color, size, scent, or hardiness) are selected for further breeding.

5. Back-Crossing and Stabilization

In some cases, breeders may back-cross (breed a new plant with one of its original parents) to stabilize desired traits. This process can take several generations to ensure that the traits remain consistent in future generations.

6. Testing and Evaluation

New flower varieties are tested in different climates, growing conditions, and environments to assess their performance and adaptability. Only those plants that thrive in various conditions and meet the desired standards are considered successful.

7. Propagation and Commercialization

Once the new variety has been stabilized and tested, it is propagated (usually through cloning techniques like cuttings or tissue culture) to ensure uniformity. Finally, the new variety is introduced to the market, where it may be sold to gardeners, florists, and landscape designers.

Breeding new flower varieties can take years of research, trial, and error, but it is a rewarding process that enhances the diversity and beauty of flowers in the world.