Good candidates for cross-pollination between different cultivars include African violets, geraniums, marigolds, petunias, and lilies. Seed fertility and viability must also be considered. Some plants may set seeds or spores that have a low germination percentage or are totally sterile. For these reasons, gerbera daisies, Boston ferns, and banana cultivars should be avoided in breeding efforts. Other seeds may be fertile, but dormant and require a length of time in storage or a cold treatment to break dormancy.
Many perennial plants exhibit such dormancy.
The length of time that seeds retain their viability in storage depends on storage conditions and plant species. Some long-lived seeds include zinnia, petunia, and lotus. Generally, low humidity and cool temperatures extend seed viability. Hybrid plant production involves the transfer of pollen from one plant to the stigma of a different plant of the same species. Collect pollen from the male parent.