I have been trying to cross some of my early bloomers, but so far I haven't had any success. How long should it take to be able to tell whether a cross has taken or not? Last year I crossed a couple, but wasn't watching them daily because I wasn't expecting it to work, now that I am really trying, I can't get them to take.
Hybernizing
Patricia, it's sorta like a two-year old kid - they can talk a blue streak UNTIL you want them to - then all they can do is stick their finger up their nose and not utter a sound! Just keep trying, and one day, walaaaa - it will work!
Most of the time you can tell in a couple of weeks or so. Just don't remove the spent blooms. Let them fall off naturally. Good luck. I hope you make some awesome crosses.
I guess I am just being too impatient .
Shirley, I am holding my breath waiting for Daydream to open up. It seems like I run out and check on her Hourly.
Patricia, I had so many I crossed in February thinking spring was here early and then the rains started and I lost them all.
I often will reach up and just gently feel the end of the peduncle and you will feel it as a big pea, then I know it took.
I probably need to buy some paint brushes also. I have been using Q tips, they worked last year, but haven't so far this year.
I get mine from K Mart in the children's section. A whole card of them for like $1.95. I then cut half the brush part off so I have more control over the bristles. Works great.
I bought some of those too, but can't remember where I put them, so I reverted to the Q tips. I will pick up some more today.