Shell Seedling?

This is a two year old Duke seedling blooming for the first time and this is as much as the flowers open. Is this considered a "Shell"? Is this a desirable or an undesirable trait? Is there a chance the flowers will open all the way the next time it blooms? I cant decide if I like it or not. Any opinions? Thanks! Dave

I wouldn't judge a seedling on its first bloom cycle, and especially not this late in the year. It can still change quite a bit during the next two bloom cycles.
A 'shell' type can be desirable depending on coloration. Here is 'White Shell'.

Regardless of what it is, it is beautiful. In fact, they are both beautiful. I have a few seedlings that have yet to flower. So, I am now sick with anticipation!! ...:)

Charmaine

Just a few? ;)
Im waiting on about 80 lol :0

Malestrom - I will go mad waiting on 80 seedlings to flower! I am going to take Clare's advice and start with a balanced fertiliser in the spring (10-10-10) to see what happens. My seedlings are pretty big. I am way overdue for some flowers!!!

Thanks for the replies. The White Shell is beautiful. This is the first year I have had seedlings bloom. Several have developed inflows but didn't flower. Will they do better next time or are there some seedlings that will never produce flowers?
I have about 20 plants that are getting ready to start opening in the next couple of weeks and I'm not sure what to do with them when it starts getting cold. Is there any way to force them into dormancy now and still have the inflows produce flowers next spring? I usually remove all the leaves and put them in the garage when the temp drops into the 40s and bring them back out in March. If I did that before the flowers start opening will the entire inflow fall off? I wish I had a Greenhouse! Dave

Many seedlings will produce false inflos the first time around; this is common. It is also referred to as 'nubbing'.
They wll most likely still have branched so you have multiple chances for blooms next season.

I also have many inflos still developing. Some of these will go dormant with the plant, some will bloom before it gets much colder, and some will fall off. There is not much you can do to affect that.
You can try putting some of your plants inside by a bright window if you want to still see them bloom this season.

If the inflo is going to push hard and fast put it in a sunny window
Plumies will surprise you with strange happenings inthe indoors in winter
I had one give me 3 flowers all different each one to die for.
Other times they are washed out and white.
The ones I let go dormant turn black and fall off

Very nice love the color really like the shell type

The shell one in that photo is beautiful. Are they typically as fragrant as the other non-shell varieties?

I am glad for the information on nubbing. I have some seedlings that are a few yrs old. One looked like it was gonna inflo but then it dried up and continued to grow.

Dutchlady1 you have some neat and beauitful plants.

Thank you :-)

you are welcome