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dickson roses I Company history I contact us I 2009 - new introductions I terms of sale I RELATED LINKS I AWARD WINNING ROSES I tHE breeding process I Charity Roses I ROSE naming opportunities i 2009 rose catalogue : HYBRID TEA I FLORIBUNDa 1 (A-n) I FLORIBUNDa 2 (o-Z) I PATIO I SHRUB / GROUNDCOVER I |
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DICKSON NURSERIES LTD NEW ROSES FROM THE WORLD'S OLDEST ROSE BREEDING COMPANY! |
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THE BREEDING PROCESS |
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Q3. How long does it take to introduce a rose? A. Between eight and ten years. The roses resulting from this year’s pollination may not reach the catalogue until 2015, and no more than four from any one breeding season will be deemed good enough for introduction.
Q4. Is it possible to have a rose named for a member of the public? A. Yes. There are three ways of doing this; please contact us for prices. Option 1 – the cheapest way – for three years, you will receive a total of 50 plants and a Certificate of Authenticity. Depending on your colour preference, classification and availability you could have plants this autumn / winter. All roses offered have been tested for more than two years. But bear in mind the prices reflect the cost of breeding a rose, and the rose you buy will be unique and of good quality. Option 2 – the middle way – These roses cost more and are included in our catalogue for the public to purchase. Option 3 – the most expensive way – These roses are offered to growers nationwide for inclusion in their catalogues. Prices are higher because of UK Plant Breeder’s Rights Applications. This option requires a longer build-up period as large quantities must be readily available.
Q5. How long has your Company been breeding roses? A. The family has been involved with the growing of roses since 1836, and with breeding since 1879. Colin Dickson is the sixth generation of the family. For more details see the history page. |
Five Most Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How many crosses do you make in one year? A. Between 8000 – 15000 in a ten week period from Mid-April to end of June. |
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Pollinating in the afternoon |
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Q2. How many seeds do you sow? A. Up to 150,000, with a maximum of 750 of these being selected for further evaluation. We achieve a germination rate of between 60 – 70%. |
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Hips harvested from mid-September to November and sorted according to cross. Seeds sown in January in the seedling house. Germination is visible within days / weeks, with first flowers appearing in April. Daily evaluation and selection is made up to July, when the marked varieties will be budded in the field. |
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Budded understocks |
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Hybridising House in the winter |
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Seedling House before sowing |
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and |
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late spring / early summer |
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in full flower |
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and |
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Emasculating in the morning |
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Ripe seed parents labelled with code of pollen parent |
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One year old pruned roses |
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One of the fields in full flower |
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NEW FOR 2010! FANCY CREATING YOUR OWN ROSE? This is a once in a lifetime opportunity!
Do you love roses? Want to treat yourself or want to give someone that has everything a very unusual present?
From 26 April to 4 June 2010 we are inviting anyone interested to book a trip to our nursery and do their own cross pollinating. You can do up to five crosses of your choice from parent plants available on the day. Emasculating will take place in the morning - from 9AM, returning to pollinate your selections after lunch - around 2PM. Your hips will be left to mature / ripen until autumn, we will harvest successful hips and post them to you. You can then plant the seeds yourself and watch them develop into seedlings.
Whether resident in Northern Ireland or wish to visit this beautiful country, you can try your hand and may even create a world beater! For more information or to book your place please contact us.
You can also contact the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (see Related Links page) to book a travel package to suit your needs. |
