"Jonathan wrote in message
..
The problem comes if the variety you first buy is an F1, this seed is
produced every time by a first cross between two distinct varieties so
it's
first generation seed of a new variety giving hybrid vigour but because
it's
not had the generations to stabilise it will produce seed of mixed type,
some plants of each of the two original parents and some of various
mixtures
between the two which is not good.

If you want to save seed try to avoid F1 varieties. Try Thomas Etty Esq
who
sell seed of heritage varieties none of which will be F1.


I thought that F1 hybrids were infertile, which is why the orange tree my
son
grew from seed, which grows in greenhouse, has never flowered in 12 years.
Is
this true?
--

No. They flower and produce seed but it's just a right mixture and only a
few will be the same as the original plant.
As for the Orange tree, our citrus are all outside against a S. facing wall
already, although I keep an eye out for very cold nights when I will bring
them back in. They require lots of feed, about every two weeks, a dose of
sequestered iron now helps too, and don't put a water tray underneath it,
let it drain any excess water away.
The leaves should be almost Camellia like to look at, dark glossy green. If
they aren't then you aren't feeding it enough, or are using the wrong stuff.
--
Bob

www.pooleygreengrowers.org.uk/ about an Allotment site in
Runnymede fighting for it's existence.