🌱 Breeding Regal Pelargoniums with Mr Pelargonium

Breeding Regal Pelargoniums: An Interview with David Taylor, aka Mr Pelargonium 

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In this exclusive interview, we sit down with David Taylor, a renowned Pelargonium breeder affectionately known as Mr Pelargonium, to learn about his process for breeding Regal Pelargoniums. David shares his passion for these beautiful plants, the art of crossbreeding, and the challenges he faces in creating unique varieties. If you've ever wondered how new and exclusive pelargonium varieties come to life, read on!

 

 

Q: What drew you to Regal Pelargoniums in particular?

 David Taylor: Regal Pelargoniums were actually the first type I ever bought, so I’ve always had a soft spot for them. I’m a bloom man at heart, and I love the large, blousy flowers that regals produce. In fact, I’m a fan of all large-flowering pelargonium types because of their impressive display. Another thing I appreciate about regals is that they handle cooler conditions better than Zonals, which can struggle through the winter if it gets too cold. 

 

Q: How do you choose which plants to breed? What traits do you look for?

David: When I’m breeding, I focus on plants that already have desirable traits I want to pass on to their offspring. This includes characteristics like flower size, growth type, and specific details like frilly or elongated petals, feathering, and blotching. Growth habits are also important—whether the plant grows tall, bushy, or in a showy form. Even leaf size and unique flower markings come into play.

Ultimately, the goal is to produce seedlings with a combination of strong growth traits from the seed parent (female plant) and vibrant flower color from the male donor plant.

 

Q: Can you walk us through the process of crossbreeding a Regal Pelargonium?

David: Sure! I’ve done a few videos on this for the Pelargonium and Geranium Society (PAGS) YouTube channel, but I’ll summarize the key steps here. It starts with transferring pollen from the anther (male part of the flower) to the stigma (female part) of another plant. Ideally, the cross will successfully combine the traits you want—though there are no guarantees. Once the process works, the characteristic pelargonium “stork beak” starts forming within a few days.

It takes about three weeks for the seed pods to mature. After that, you need dry weather to prevent the seed pods from rotting, which can ruin the seeds. If conditions are favorable, the pods will naturally begin to detach, and I’ll harvest and extract the seeds. I prefer to sow them immediately, as they need a temperature of at least 20°C to germinate.

 

Q: How long does it take to determine if a new seedling is worth keeping?

David: It’s not a quick process. Once you have a new seedling, you need to let it grow for a few years to see if its traits—especially flower color—remain stable. I only hold onto plants that offer something new in terms of color, growth, or hardiness. If a new seedling is too similar to existing varieties, I’ll usually decide against keeping it.

 

Q: What challenges do you face during the breeding process?

David: One of the biggest challenges is weather. In recent years, wet summers have been a problem. If it rains while seed pods are maturing, the moisture can cause the pods to rot, which makes the seeds unviable. Dry conditions are essential at this stage to ensure successful seed harvesting.  

Another challenge is time. Breeding isn’t a quick process—you’re always waiting to see how seedlings develop and if they maintain their traits over multiple seasons.

 

Q: Can beginners try their hand at breeding Pelargoniums?

David: Absolutely! Breeding pelargoniums, even single-flowering varieties, is quite manageable with a bit of patience and the right technique. Bees are also helpful pollinators. If you notice “stork beaks” forming on your plants in the summer, consider saving and sowing some of those seeds. Take note of which plant the seed came from and see what surprises emerge! It can be an exciting process, and you never know when you might discover something truly unique.

 

Q: What advice would you give to someone who wants to start breeding regal pelargoniums?

David: First, understand the traits you’re aiming for—flower size, color patterns, growth habits, and so on. Be prepared to observe your plants over several seasons, as stability and uniqueness are key factors when deciding which seedlings to keep. Also, don’t be discouraged if your first few attempts don’t produce exactly what you envisioned. It’s a learning process, but the results can be incredibly rewarding. Lastly, have fun with it! There’s something magical about watching a new variety come to life.

 

Q: Where can our readers learn more about your work and breeding techniques?

David: I’d recommend checking out the PAGS YouTube channel, where I’ve posted several videos detailing my breeding techniques. I’m always happy to share what I’ve learned and inspire others to try their hand at breeding these beautiful plants.

 

🪴 Final Thoughts 🪴

David Taylor, *Mr Pelargonium*, has dedicated years to perfecting the art of breeding regal pelargoniums, creating stunning and exclusive varieties that can’t be found anywhere else. His passion for these plants is contagious, and his expertise helps ensure that new and unique pelargoniums continue to delight enthusiasts around the world. Whether you’re a seasoned grower or a curious beginner, there’s plenty to learn from David’s approach to this timeless gardening art.

 

Ready to start your own pelargonium breeding adventure? Pick up a wealth of information from the expert himself. @mrpelargonium (Instagram)