Abutilon: Cross-pollination, breeding, propagation

Abutilon Ella (2013)

Successful Hybrid Criteria

In this post I would like to mention some criteria for new hybrid evaluation. An average abutilon seeds pod can contain up to 15 or more seeds. Of course sometimes there can be zero or just a couple of seeds per pod, but let's consider a joyous situation of successful crossing and consequent seeds germination.
So, as it was said before, in about 3 months our supposed 15 seedlings will start blooming, and we are to decide whether to keep them, give them a 'name' and propagate further for commercial or hybridization purposes ... or to, basically, do away with them!
When assessing a new hybrid, I consider the following aspects:
1) the hybrid promises to be a compact plant with 1-2 cm stem nods (because I live in St. Petersburg, Russia, which is up north, and breed abutilons as potted house plants);
2) the hybrid has a certain lightness to its growth habit with frequent side shoots, which will allow easy pruning and shaping the bush, thus resulting in a bouquet type of flowering;
3) the diameter of the flower exceeds 7 cm (in my opinion, the bigger the better);
4) the shape and color of petals are of some novelty or interest with contrasting center or veins.
Normally, I stick to the simultaneous combination of the above-mentioned four factors. If they coincide, the hybrid stays put and gets a name. In some cases, if the color of petals is promising, I keep the hybrid for further cross-pollination.