Why hybridize roses?
By Henry Kuska
If you are reading this web page, I assume that you have found that rose growing is a fantastic hobby. Unfortunately, for many it is a seasonal hobby. But - it does not have to be a seasonal hobby! Hybridizing will add that additional dimension which will turn your hobby into a year long activity.
Where to find basic starting information?
Many rose books in your public library will have anywhere from several pages to a chapter devoted to rose hybridizing. A detailed discussion can be found in "Rose Hybridizing For Beginners", a 34 page pamphlet available from the Rose Hybridizers Association. To receive a copy send a check or money order for $5.00 in U.S. funds, made payable to the ROSE HYBRIDIZERS ASSOCIATION to: Larry D. Peterson, RHA Treasurer, 21 South Wheaton Road, Horseheads, NY 14845-1077.
Three other basic, but general, reference books are:
1) "Breed Your Own Vegetable Varieties", by Carol Deppe, published by Little, Brown, and Company in 1993. It is a 303 page paperback with a list price of $18.95 USA.
2) "The New Seed-Starters Handbook", by Nancy Bubel, published by Rodale Press in 1988. It is a 385 page paperback with a list price of $14.95 USA.
3) "Secrets of Plant Propagation", by Lewis Hill, published by Garden Way Publishing (Storey Communications) in 1985. It is a 168 page paperback with a list price of $14.95 USA.
Where to get advanced information?
1) Members of the Rose Hybridizers Association receive a quarterly newsletter. A year's subscription to the Rose Hybridizers Association is
$10.00 USA or $12.00 Foreign. Funds from foreign nationals MUST be submitted in US funds. The Association can not accept personal checks drawn on foreign banks. They have a web page at: http://www.rosehybridizers.org/ which includes a forum.
2) The Rose Propagation and Exchange Forum at http://www.gardenweb.com/forums/rosespro/ normally contains discussions on various topics related to rose hybridizing.
3) A web site has been set up with the topic "Collecting and Breeding Roses" at: http://groups.msn.com/Collectingandbreedingroses/general.msnw
4) The British Amateur Rose Breeder's Association publishes an annual which is available from the editors, John and Margaret Shipway. Their address is: 16 New Road, Holyport, Maidenhead, Berks. SL6 2LQ. The cost is 8 pounds UK, 10 pounds EC, and 12 pounds elsewhere. Checks payable in Sterling or Eurocheque.
5) The American, British, and Canadian Rose Society magazines and/or annuals periodically publish articles which cover some aspect of hybridizing. Your local rose society may have some of these available in their lending Library."
6) I have a collection of articles that I have written at: http://home.neo.rr.com/kuska/rosepublicationsindex.htm
7) I have a collection of web links related to rose hybridizing at: http://home.neo.rr.com/kuska/rosehybridizinglinks.htm