Articles » Gen1 Greenhouse

Petunia Exserta – The Endangered Red Star

Among the countless cultivated petunias sold in garden centers around the world, almost none resemble the wild red star petunia species exserta. Modern hybrid petunias are highly modified ornamental plants bred for large flowers, compact growth, and extreme color variation. Hidden behind those hybrids is a much smaller group of wild South American species that started it all. One of the most unusual and scientifically important of this group is…
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The Easiest Houseplant – Tradescantia (Wandering Jew)

If there is one houseplant genus that combines beauty, resilience, speed of growth, and ease of care, it is Tradescantia. Commonly called wandering dude, wandering Jew, inch plant, or spiderwort depending on species and region, Tradescantia plants are among the most forgiving plants for beginners while still being attractive enough for experienced collectors. With colorful foliage, trailing stems, and rapid growth, Tradescantia can thrive indoors, on shaded porches, hanging baskets,…
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Petunia Breeding Program – February 2026

The History Behind the Petunias In 2024, my great aunt, Nelda, showed me a group of petunias growing wild on her property. These plants were immediately familiar to me. As a child, I remember playing among this group of petunias in her backyard when I would come to visit. The petunias have grown on her property without human care for at least 25 years. They reseed themselves, survive in heavy…
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