penstemon seed propagation

gardengrrl Minneapolis, MN(Zone 4a) Aug 15, 2003

interested in learning whether various types of pentstemons come true from seed. Of particular interest right now is the p. digitalis 'huskers red.'
thanks.

Post #616443

Quote

Geoforce Landenberg, PA(Zone 6b) Aug 15, 2003

'Huskers Red' is a varietal selected because of its intense foliage color. Seedlings from this grown by itself, should be expected to have darker colored foliage than the average p. digitalis plants, but would generally vary in differing degrees among themselves and from the parent.

No seed plant "comes true" from seed unless it is a completely homozygous variety, with every gene present in both chromasomes in all pairs. Such a variety would truly be a scientific curiosity, and I doubt any exist outside of laboratories if even there. Despite this, a plant may be homozygous in some character of interest, and all seedlings will bear such a trait more-or-less modified by other genes present. Albino flowers is generally such a trait.

George

Post #616465

Quote

Gardener4Fun Sweetwater, TX(Zone 7a) Aug 21, 2003

This is very interesting information. I have Penstemon "Red Rocks," which I love. Thanks for the detailed info!

Post #623341

Quote

poppysue Westbrook, ME(Zone 5a) Aug 22, 2003

I've grown Husker's Red from seeds and there were some with red foliage... some with green.

Most penstemons need a prolonged chilling period in order to germinate.

Post #623722

Quote

Please or sign up to post.

Back to Forum Homepage