Keith, don't let all these fancy technical terms and genetic language discourage you from cross pollinating and seeding. Set them aside for the time being, there will be plenty of time to learn about each of them over time, That's how I learned--over time, and over a very long time at that. I started cross pollenating lilies back in late 1980's. Back then, if I had questions, it took me a long time to get answers and many times I had to find the answers myself by trial and error, just like your first experience this year. There was no internet, no Connie, Rick, Tracey, Joe, Della or Anthony and so on that I could turn to for quick answers and information back then. But even with all this 'fast information' we have today, I still think learning the technicalities over time as one gains experience is the best way. At least for now, you'll know a little bit about these terms and rules. Later on and gradually, you'll see other terms too, like F1, F2, clone, strain and so on. One by one, over the next couple years or so you'll learn them all if you stick with us. If you like lilies, then cross pollinating and seeding them is one of the most enjoyable aspects of growing lilies. It makes growing lilies a 365 day a year hobby--always something going on all the time! It's getting late in the year for hypogeal seed planting now. It's time to start thinking about preparing for Spring planting of epigeal type (which most commercial lilies are). If you'd like, I'm sure many of us have lots of extra epigeal seed of some nice crosses that we would be happy to send you to get you started.
Also, one of the best books on lilies is one by Edward Austin McRae titled 'LILIES, a guide for growers and collectors'. It explains everything from A to Z, including pollenating and seed planting. It's out of print now, but you can usually find one on Ebay for less than $10.00. If not, I have an extra copy I'd be happy to loan you for a year or so. Just let me know by Tree Mail (the little envelope in the upper left corner).
