What are Plant Hybrids?
What are plant hybrids? Hybrids are anything of mixed origin. Plant hybrids occur
naturally when one variety pollenates another one and the result is a plant with some
characteristics of each parent. Hybridizers take this very natural process and with
planning, create new hybrids that are customized for certain characteristics. Hybrids may
be developed that have superior qualities in size, color, fragrance, disease resistance or
hardiness or a combination of qualities.
Nature however, can be unpredictable. If you cross a beautiful tulip with another of
less beauty but very fragrant, you will not necessarily get a beautiful and fragrant
cross. The development of a new hybrid that is ready to be commercially sold can take
many decades to perfect. It's all about genes. Some bulb species are easier to
hybridize than others. Tulips are amoung the more difficult ones.
There are some beautiful new hybrids on the market today but do not forget about
the tried and true varieties too.
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