Barry & Iris McCanna wrote:

"vsop" wrote in message
...
I am growing Aquilegia McKenna Hybrids, sown last year and blooming
for the
first time. There is one particular favourite colourway which we
would like
to save seeds, but can anyone advise whether they would come true to
the
parent ?
Its not described as an F1 hybrid in any seed catalogues we have
consulted.
We believe this is an old variety so perhaps someone has experience
with
self-sown seedlings or saved seed.
Best Regards
SKO


Aquilegia McKana hybrids do not come true from seed, but they do self
seed and you will discover some very interesting colour combinations.
Also save some of the seeds and sow them yourself. You stand a chance
of something similar, but also the excitement of something new.

Iris McCanna

I've grown these before.. as they state they are hybrids.. seed saved
from a mixture of parents, (as opposed to F1 hybrids which come from
only 2 identified parents) saving frely from seed they tend to revert
back to blues over time (in my experience) however if you wish to select
certain colours the best way to do it would be to cross breed 2
specimens of that type in isolation.. That means excluding ALL natural
pollinators through the mid and final stages of infloresence, and
pollinating by hand.. Growing under a mesh cloche or mesh bagging
individiual flower heads would be fine.. However if my plants are
anything to go by its probably a bit late for this.. Maybe save to try
for next year?
//
Jim