January Blooms

[helixturnhelix]

 I have been trying to collect the CVs that are displaying darkening effects from the parents DB and BD.  With common ancestors, it is more likely that the same gene or genes are responsible for this desired trait.  The eventual goal is to get a homozygous cv by crossing these other CV that you could use that homo zygote to darken any color type you want, but we will see if this is not just a fantasy that is not possible.  It could be possible that homo zygotes are not fit and fail to form embryos, etc... 

[Laura]

lol Charlie,
Actually it has been foggy and overcast all winter. The only reason it had a flower was because I brought it home (Oregon) during Christmas break where it was sunny the whole time.

[Charlie]

Hi Chris,

So we end up with dominant allele "D (darkening)" if we're lucky?

It's a good idea, so you would cross Black Dragon and, for example, Burnt Saffron, in an attempt to get the homozygous cv that would let us darken others? Would be cool, indeed!

Charlie

[Charlie]

Aha, Laura! That would explain it then. I was never entirely sure how much light was needed to get blooms but the last 3 years in my current house was very instructive. We grow hibiscus in almost every window but they only get direct sun at certain times of year, different for each window, and it makes a difference. For example, Cindy grows small pots of hibiscus in a window in the dining room and although they are healthy and grow just fine year round with indirect light they only bloom in mid winter when the light angles in that window for just an hour or so a day but it is enough to get some buds on those plants.

Charlie

[helixturnhelix]

Yup Charlie, that is the idea Ive come up with.  Theres really know way of knowing how many genes are involved with this, and it assumes that it isnt already a homozygous recessive trait.  However, based on the fact that you can cross BD or DB with other CVs and observe darkening I am inclined to think you only need on copy of these gene or set of genes.  Once I get Dragon's heart blooming along with Burnt Saffron, that is a good cross to make just because It seems as though Dragon Heart is pretty vigorous, nice upright growth, branches readily AND has that Darkening effect from DB

[Charlie]

I can't wait to see the results, Chris! Have to be patient as I've reminded myself repeatedly for the 15 years I've focused on hibiscus.......

Charlie