bedding plant breeding

Discussion in 'Plants: Science and Cultivation' started by Carole CF, Mar 28, 2015.

  1. Carole CF

    Carole CF New Member

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    Lots of articles say that tender perennials are used as annual bedding plants in colder climate. But, if they are true perennials, how are they manipulated to bloom from seed in first year?
     
  2. Sundrop

    Sundrop Well-Known Member

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    Perennials are those plants that can survive longer than two years in the climatic conditions suitable for them. Those that can survive for only two years are called biennials, and those that live only one growing season are called annuals. There is nothing in the definition of a perennial plant that says it can't bloom in the first year of its life.
    What you probably have in mind are herbaceous perennials that die back to the ground at the end of the growing season and start growing again in spring from their roots. They may or may not bloom and produce seeds during the first year of their life.
    It is how it is in Nature, no manipulation is needed.
     
  3. woodschmoe

    woodschmoe Active Member 10 Years

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    In many cases a plant is chosen because it is a perennial which flowers in it's first year, and so is suitable to be grown as an annual where it isn't fully hardy. As Sundrop notes, there are lots of perennials that do this. Commercially, however, bedding plants are usually mass propagated from cuttings, not seed.
     

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