. The art and science of floral design, i.e., creating floral arrangements for personal adornment and enhancing interior and exterior environments, relies heavily on proper use and implementation of the principles and elements of design. There are inherent and untested assumptions of how people view floral designs such as using line to direct their eyes to the focal point. Eye tracking is a powerful tool to aid floral designers and educators, providing in-depth, unintrusive analysis of viewers' spatio-temporal attention. The objective of this study was to test assumptions for line and focal point in viewing arrangements. Ten floral arrangements were constructed that encompassed varying geometric forms, lines, and focal points for testing with participants. Eye tracking consisted of each participant viewing each floral design to determine time to first fixation, areas of interest, and position transition gap. Pairwise comparisons were performed for multiple options. Overall, while participants fixated on lines and then spent most of the viewing time on the focal point, there were multiple factors (geometric forms, number of lines, primary and secondary focal points, gender) affecting both the rate and duration of fixation on each design principle and element. Some designs provided significantly shorter or longer transition gaps than others, supporting the theory that appropriate line configuration can help facilitate the transition to focal points, while others delay the transition and prolong scanning. Cultural differences for Thanksgiving designs affected the line vs. focal point fixation and transitions. Eye tracking allows for continued future testing of floral design parameters for educators, students, and professional designers, as well as viewer groups and combining these data with traditional measures of practicing and studying the art and science of floral design. Carefully created experiments and models will be required to untangle the interrelated principles and elements of design from observed eye-tracking data.

Black walnut (Juglans nigra L.) is a native North American nut crop with distinctive flavor and nutritional value. Current breeding efforts are focusing on identifying superior genotypes with traits such as larger kernel size, thinner shells, improved flavor, and enhanced marketability. In this context, the goal of this study was to evaluate consumer acceptability and associated sensory attributes of raw black walnut kernels to provide consumer-based sensory insights that can guide breeding strategies. Four advanced black walnut breeding selections, defined as late-stage selections from the breeding program not yet commercially released (BW_1, BW_2, BW_4, and BW_5) and two traditional cultivars ('Daniel', BW_3 and 'Hay', BW_6), along with one commercial black walnut (BW_c) and one commercial English walnut (EW) control, were included in this evaluation. Participants (N 5 100) evaluated raw kernels and rated them on overall kernel liking, flavor liking, texture liking, aroma liking, and the intensity of specific flavors (e.g., bitter, walnut, nut, off flavors, woody) and provided open-ended comments describing likes and dislikes. Sensory data were analyzed using linear mixed-effects models with participants as a random effect, complemented by correlation analysis, principal component analysis, multiple regression, and a regression-weighted selection index to rank genotypes. The advanced black walnut breeding selections BW_5, BW_1, and BW_4 were ranked above the commercial black walnut and the traditional cultivars, demonstrating their potential. Consumer liking differed significantly among walnut samples, with flavor liking emerging as the strongest driver of overall liking, followed by texture and aroma liking, while bitterness and off-flavor intensity negatively affected liking. Open-ended responses reinforced these patterns, with "texture," "taste," and "nutty" commonly associated with positive impressions and "bitter" and "aftertaste" linked to negative ones. Collectively, these results provide consumer-based sensory benchmarks that can be used to prioritize black walnut breeding selections and support cultivar release for nut consumption.

Salix humilis Marsh. (prairie willow) is a compact shrub willow with a native distribution throughout the eastern United States. While underutilized in horticulture, prairie willow has potential for broader application in managed landscapes due to attractive ornamental features, hardiness, and high adaptability. This multifunctionality makes prairie willow a strong candidate for use in challenging settings, including urban green spaces. However, the unique recalcitrance of prairie willow to standard asexual propagation techniques and a general lack of directed research limits clonal improvement efforts and the availability of the species in the green industry. The objective of this work was to address this gap in knowledge and contribute to an effective asexual propagation protocol for prairie willow through four separate experiments exploring stock plant regeneration techniques, fungicide application, cutting positions, source populations, and substrate selection. Using cuttings [US Department of Agriculture (USDA)–Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN) and wild Minnesota populations] from stem tissue closer to basal regions of stock plants, applying preventive fungicide (T-Bird ® , 1.3 mL/L), and using a well-draining perlite or bark-based medium improved propagule rooting and survival. Rooting exceeded 80% in basal dormant cuttings treated with fungicide and apical cuttings rooted at near 0%. These findings can be used to identify propagation methods suitable for prairie willow commercial production, supporting its potential use in gardens and landscapes.

Blue-flowered perennial flax (Linum austriacum, Linum lewisii, and Linum perenne) has potential use in the commercial cut flower (CF) market as a filler flower type in floral designs. Before its introduction and integration into the commercial CF market, determining the perceptions from firms and users in the horticultural distribution chain is imperative for successful launch of new cultivars. The purpose of this research was to conduct surveys of current and future floral designers to generate data on perceptions and use of perennial flax to guide market development. To test the acceptance of blue-flowered CF perennial flax with potential future floral designers, a total of 109 students enrolled in two floral design courses at the University of Minnesota (for-credit class, 3 credits) and the Koehler & Dramm Institute of Floristry (not-for-credit courses) over a 2-year period (2022 and 2023) designed with fresh or dried CF perennial flax. Floral designers answered a series of questions in floral designer surveys. Classes that are for-credit was a motivational incentive for student participation in the CF perennial flax surveys in this study. A majority of floral designers in each of the courses across semesters correctly identified the flax stems to be used as filler materials, although once they completed their designs, an increase in misclassification of stem types occurred. Most of the floral design students were willing to design with CF perennial flax again and bunched the CF perennial flax before use. Textural interest was uniformly the most positive aspect for fresh and dried CF perennial flax stems, although flower color is of considerable importance. The least positive aspects were durability, longevity, foliage, versatility, and flower drop. Future breeding and development of CF perennial flax will incorporate these recommendations for release of market cultivars.

Premise:In North America, Phragmites australis (common reed) has drawn a great deal of research attention. Non-native P. australis subsp. australis is a noxious weed that has locally displaced native P. australis subsp. americanus in some areas. Although morphological features can distinguish the two subspecies, molecular tools often are required to confirm identifications. Additionally, the existence of natural intrasubspecific hybrids presents novel management challenges. Hybrid Phragmites is difficult to detect, and it has become standard practice to apply molecular tools to survey for hybrids. Methods:We applied several molecular techniques-microsatellite, DArTseq (a type of genotyping-by-sequencing), restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP), and next-generation sequencing-to characterize P. australis at the landscape scale in Minnesota and Wisconsin and to search for hybrids. Results:We obtained molecular data for Phragmites plants sampled from 341 stands, ultimately characterizing 98 stands as native and 236 as non-native. Plants from two adjacent stands in Washington County, Minnesota, were confirmed to be hybrids. Discussion:These are the first confirmed hybrids from the Upper Midwest/western Great Lakes region. We also discuss the relative cost and effectiveness of the various molecular methods and offer recommendations for future studies.

Background/Objectives: Accurate ploidy determination is essential for understanding population structure and evolutionary history for breeding and domestication. The Chrysanthemum arcticum (Arctic daisy) complex, comprising C. arcticum and subspecies arcticum and polaré, exhibits variability in ploidy variation with reports ranging from diploid (2n = 2x = 18) to octoploid (2n = 8x = 72). Methods: The objective of this study was to assess ploidy levels in n = 225 genotypes from n = 46 wild, native populations of the three taxa collected across mainland Alaska, Attu Island (Alaska), and Hudson Bay (Canada) using flow cytometry, and using C. nankingense (2n = 2x = 18) as the diploid reference. Results: Genome sizes were from 5.27 to 20.69 pg (2C), corresponding to diploid through hexaploid. Triploids were the most frequent (64%) before, as well as after, applying the reference standard bias (10% correction). All ploidy levels were present in multiple geographic regions, with no clear spatial, taxonomic, or latitudinal segregation. The high incidence of triploids, most of which were self-compatible and highly fertile, may reflect genetic instability, underlying aneuploidy (which is common in several Chrysanthemum polyploids), or systematic bias from reference standard differences. Inconsistencies between flow cytometry estimates and observed reproductive compatibility, such as successful crossings with known diploids, suggest additional genomic complexity. Potential historical influences creating genomic instability, including environmental disturbances (chemical, radiation warfare remnants) from World War II military activities at Attu Island and Hudson Bay, are discussed. Conclusions: This study shows the challenges of accurately determining ploidy levels in the C. arcticum trifecta complex and highlights the need for other approaches, including high-density SNP genotyping and chromosome imaging, to resolve ploidy questions and guide future breeding strategies.

Salix humilis Marsh. (prairie willow) is an underutilized native shrub willow with potential for broader application in ornamental horticulture and managed landscapes. With attractive features, winterhardiness, and adaptability to a range of site conditions, including a purported tolerance to both extremes of the soil-moisture spectrum, prairie willow may be especially valuable for urban landscapes and green infrastructure applications. Despite the broad range of settings in which the species could be used, prairie willow is unusually difficult to propagate asexually, a feature that limits clonal improvement efforts as well as its availability in the green industry. To date, there has been no formal research conducted to explore or improve asexual propagation efforts of prairie willow. Through a series of four experiments, this project aimed to help address these gaps in knowledge by evaluating different cutting types, including dormant hardwood, semihardwood, softwood, and single-node cuttings. Semihardwood cuttings rooted at 12% and dormant hardwood cuttings rooted at 56% to 88%. Single-node cuttings gradually formed roots, reaching 45% rooting at week 9, but failed to produce shoots. Plant growth regulator application significantly increased propagule rooting. Based on these findings, it is recommended that nursery production companies use dormant hardwood cuttings treated with 5000 to 10,000 ppm K-IBA.

Background/Objectives. Annual flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum) is the most cultivated Linum species. Perennial species (Linum austriacum, Linum lewisii, Linum perenne) show potential as alternative oilseed and fiber sources. It is critical to determine genetic variation in any collection to understand relationships and utilization within a breeding program. The research objectives were to analyze the genetic structure of the trifecta perennial flax using single-nucleotide polymorphic (SNP) markers for species differentiation and to discover potential Centers of Origin and/or diversity. Methods. We tested 70 USDA-GRIN-global wild populations (19 L. austriacum, 32 L. lewisii, 19 L. perenne; N = 850 seedling genotypes) to generate 9804 DArTseqLD SNPs (Group 1). Results. After filtering, within L. austriacum, 1199 SNPs (261 genotypes; Group 2) remained; in L. lewisii, there were 90 unique SNPs (273 genotypes; Group 3); in L. perenne, there were 2716 SNPs (309 genotypes; Group 4). Four genetic clusters were detected using STRUCTURE, consistent with principal coordinate analysis and SplitsTrees. Clear distinctions within and among each perennial species’ populations were found, separating into two distinct pure taxon groupings, along with peripheral populations or outliers. Both L. austriacum and L. lewisii potentially had two putative Centers of Origin, although L. perenne had one. Conclusions. The occurrence of sympatric Linum species in the wild could explain the occurrence of peripheral population groups within each taxon, although other explanations are also possible. This may be consistent with the potential for genetic exchange between the perennial species and the greater genetic variability available. Future research will evaluate additional Linum to further delineate the genetic structure and variation within the genus Linum.

Green pesticides provide sustainable, biorational alternatives to synthetic pesticides. Sabadilla, Schoenocaulon, store alkaloids in their seeds; veratridine and cevadine are extracted with insecticidal activity. Wild, extant populations of native, N. American, S. texanum, are the focus of this research. The goal of this research was to determine soil constituents; alkaloid levels; quantify reproductive capacity for bulbs/plant, inflorescences/plant, seed capsules/plant, seeds/plant; seed dimensions, 100 seed wt.; standard and saturated salt accelerated aging (SSAA) percent seed germination of open-pollinated, untreated seed. We tested 10 genotypes and derived open-pollinated seed lots from five non-sympatric populations collected in Texas. Soil samples showed variation for all soil characteristics. Organic matter levels and micro-nutrients were low; pH = 7.8–8.2; heavy metals (Al, Cd, Cr, Ni, Pb) were detected. Seeds of S. texanum are smaller than S. officinale, but share appearance, hardness, color and shape. Alkaloid content was ~20% lower than S. officinale. Mean number of bulbs/clump was 2–12 with 1–8 flower stems/plant. Mean 100 seed weight = 0.45 g. No seeds germinated in weeks 1–2 (G1, G2) in standard or SSAA tests. Highest % germination in both tests was in G3–G4, declining precipitously in G5–G6. We establish initial seed germination standards of ≥70% for both standard and SSAA germination tests, based on total or adjusted final % germination of seed lots.

Perennial flax (Linum austriacum, Linum perenne, L. austriacum) has a wide range of uses for the horticultural and agronomic markets. Protocols for vegetative propagation culture and production scheduling of perennial flax are needed to advance development of potential ornamental or specialty cut flower (CF) cultivars, specifically for the floriculture market. The purpose of this research was to establish vegetative propagation practices for perennial flax CF selections. Fifteen CF genotypes were tested in four experiments between week 8 of 2022 and week 37 of 2023, using 5-cm cuttings from greenhouse (GH) or field cuttings. We tested mist house (MH) rooting time (2 or 3 weeks) and rooting hormone concentrations [1000 or 2000 ppm indole-3-butyric acid (IBA)]. Experiments tested rooting time over 3 or 4 total weeks, which included 2 or 3 weeks under mist, respectively, and 1 week in GH culture before rating. Rooting success was rated using a six-point Likert scale to gauge number and length of roots per cutting. Expt. 1 rooted for 3 weeks using 1000 ppm IBA, resulting in 66.5% rooting. Expt. 2 (4 weeks, 1000 ppm IBA) had 96.4% rooting. Experiment 3 (4 weeks, 2000 ppm IBA) had 82.0% rooting. Expt. 4 (replicate of Expt. 2 but rated using a binary rooted vs. unrooted rating scale, as done in a commercial setting), resulted in 85.4% rooting. Overall, Expts. 2 and 4 resulted in the greatest mean success rates, despite the differences in root rating methods. An increased IBA concentration is not recommended for Linum genotypes, as it decreased rooting success in this study. Perennial flax vegetative propagation may be successful using 1000 ppm IBA for 4 weeks to multiply GH stock plants and produce plugs (liners) for shipping and CF production. Additional research will be needed to define the timing and cultural requirements for successful shipping of vernalized, finished (rooted, robust growth) plugs for perennial CF flax cultivars.

While only a small portion of introduced species naturalize, and even fewer become invasive, those that do may alter ecosystems and disrupt natural plant communities. Recognizing that many non-native landscape plants are valuable commodities that provide important ecosystem services, enhance property values, and improve our quality of life, there is strong justification for developing cultivars with low reproductive fertility to prevent further distribution. This report reviews approaches for developing and evaluating low-fertility landscape cultivars to minimize self-sowing, weediness, range expansion, and potential invasiveness with recommended approaches, guidelines, and policy. Specific conclusions and recommendations include: Selecting and developing cultivars with reduced fertility is a viable approach for maintaining economic, environmental, and aesthetic benefits of important landscape crops while minimizing potential invasiveness. A ≥ 98% reduction in fertility, compared to fertile controls, is an achievable and practical criterion for accepting low-fertility cultivars as alternatives to potentially invasive, sexually reproducing plants. Regulations of potentially invasive plants should include exclusions and provisions to allow for the continued production of cultivars with documented low reproductive fertility.

Perennial flax (Linum spp.) is a new crop under domestication at the University of Minnesota. It is being bred simultaneously for herbaceous perennial and cut flower production, as well as fiber, oil seed, and pollinator (ecosystem) services. Perennial flax is prized for its blue flowers, which are a rarity in the floriculture industry. Superior genotypes have been selected with high levels of postharvest vase life for use as a “filler” cut flower in floral designing. For flax to be a new specialty cut flower crop in floral designs, it must be amenable for use in floral foam, a classic “mechanic” used to hold flowers in place. However, the thin stems predicate careful insertion into design mechanics to avoid breakage. The research objective of this study was to determine single-stem insertion effects (stem bending) for three stem lengths (10, 16.25, and 22.5 cm) in Oasis® floral foam and testing two preservative solutions (±FloraLife®). Genotypes and solution types were significant on most measured factors but stem length was an insignificant effect for most genotypes and treatments. Despite perennial flax’s thinner stems, as a filler flower, it can be used in standard floral foam which is the most commonly used mechanic in floral designs. Three genotypes (CF10, CF3, and CF5) had the best postharvest life, which can serve as the basis for future plant breeding efforts to maximize postharvest longevity of this new cut flower crop.

Black walnut ( Juglans nigra L.) is a climate-resilient species that presents underexplored opportunities for horticultural applications, including tapping for syrup production. This study evaluated consumer liking of black walnut syrup and characterized consumer descriptions of its flavor compared with maple syrup. Five syrups were evaluated: two grade A maple syrups (Maple1 and Maple2), a commercial black walnut syrup (PBW_commercial), two locally produced black walnut syrups (PBW_UMN1 and PBW_UMN2), and a black walnut–infused syrup (BW_infused). Participants (n = 106) evaluated six syrup samples and rated them on attributes such as color, overall liking, flavor liking, and the intensity of specific flavors (e.g., caramel, nutty, woody, maple, burnt, bitter). Statistical analyses revealed differences among syrups for all attributes. Darker syrups (PBW_commercial, PBW_UMN2) exhibited stronger woody, burnt, and bitter flavors, while lighter syrups (PBW_UMN1, BW_infused) had milder profiles. PBW_UMN2 closely resembled Maple2 for most attributes, while PBW_commercial differed, with lower overall liking and caramel scores and higher nutty, woody, burnt, and bitter attributes. Principal component analysis indicated that flavor liking and overall liking were negatively correlated with bitter and burnt flavors but positively correlated with maple and caramel flavors. Multiple linear regression models showed that caramel and maple flavors positively influenced liking, while bitterness negatively affected it. The blend of familiar flavors and distinctive black walnut characteristics indicated that PBW_UMN2 could be as liked as maple syrup. This study highlights the market potential of black walnut syrup, suggesting that balancing caramel, woodiness, and nuttiness while minimizing bitterness can enhance consumer acceptability.

Herbaceous perennials must annually rebuild the aboveground photosynthetic architecture from carbohydrates stored in crowns, rhizomes, and roots. Knowledge of carbohydrate utilization and storage can inform management decisions and improve control outcomes for invasive perennials. We monitored the nonstructural carbohydrates in a population of the hybrid Bohemian knotweed [ Polygonum × bohemicum (J. Chrtek & Chrtková) Zika & Jacobson [ cuspidatum × sachalinense ]; syn.: Fallopia × bohemica (Chrtek and Chrtková) J.P. Bailey] and in Japanese knotweed [ Polygonum cuspidatum Siebold & Zucc.; syn.: Fallopia japonica (Houtt.) Ronse Decr.]. Carbohydrate storage in crowns followed seasonal patterns typical of perennial herbaceous dicots corresponding to key phenological events. Starch was consistently the highest nonstructural carbohydrate present. Sucrose levels did not show a consistent inverse relationship with starch levels. Lateral distribution of starch in rhizomes and, more broadly, total nonstructural carbohydrates sampled before dormancy break showed higher levels in rhizomes compared with crowns. Total nonstructural carbohydrate levels in crowns reached seasonal lows at an estimated 22.6% of crown dry weight after accumulating 1,453.8 growing degree days (GDD) by the end of June, mainly due to depleted levels of stored starch, with the estimated minimum of 12.3% reached by 1,220.3 GDD accumulated by mid-June. Depletion corresponded to rapid development of vegetative canopy before entering the reproductive phase in August. Maximum starch accumulation in crowns followed complete senescence of aboveground tissues by mid- to late October. Removal of aboveground shoot biomass in late June to early July with removal of vegetation regrowth in early September before senescence would optimize the use of time and labor to deplete carbohydrate reserves. Additionally, foliar-applied systemic herbicide translocation to belowground tissue should be maximized with applications in late August through early fall to optimize downward translocation with assimilate movement to rebuild underground storage reserves. Fall applications should be made before loss of healthy leaf tissue, with the window for control typically ending by late September in Minnesota.

Plant breeding in the public sector is a multigenerational process that creates new plant varieties intended to meet current and future needs of society. Many public sector plant breeding programs are over a century old, and they continue to curate plant genetic resources that are far older still. While individual breeders serve as temporary leaders of these programs and the plant genetic resources they maintain, it is only their institutions that have the capacity to provide the necessary generational glue, enabling the accrual of long-term value to both breeders and society. Identifying best practices to ensure mutual benefit to both public sector breeders and their institutions is critical to achieving the smooth leadership transitions necessary for the sustainability and long-term impact of public breeding programs. The findings presented here suggest that the successful passing of the torch in such programs depends not only on strategic institutional support but also, critically, on the routine actions and mindset of the breeders entrusted with their leadership.

PREMISE:The proper classification of taxa is often debated, particularly when organisms lack qualitative diagnostic traits. Highbush cranberry taxa (Viburnum spp.) have been the subject of such disputes since their characterization by 18th- and 19th-century botanists. Despite their allopatric distributions-V. trilobum in North America, V. opulus in Europe, and V. sargentii in Asia-these taxa have received numerous taxonomic treatments as species, subspecies, and varieties due to their morphological similarities. Genetic evidence has shown these taxa to be distinct; however, the human-mediated introduction of V. opulus and V. sargentii into North America may remove their geographic and genetic isolation, with implications for the conservation of V. trilobum. METHODS:We used single-nucleotide polymorphisms generated via reduced representation sequencing (DArTseq) to assess the genetic structure and diversity of these taxa, focusing on the impact of V. opulus and V. sargentii introduction into North America. RESULTS:Consistent with prior studies, V. trilobum, V. opulus, and V. sargentii were found to be genetically distinct species. European V. opulus-and, to a lesser extent, V. opulus × V. sargentii hybrids-were found to be widely naturalizing in North America. However, interspecific V. trilobum hybrids were notably rare. All three taxa exhibited low genetic diversity and evidence of clonality. A cryptic subgroup of V. sargentii, originating in Japan, was identified. CONCLUSIONS:American V. trilobum shows evidence of continued genetic isolation despite the introduction of Eurasian taxa into North America, suggesting the presence of an unknown reproductive barrier.

The University of Minnesota (UMN) Pyrethrum Breeding Program has been developing Chrysanthemum cinerariifolium with increased levels of Pyrethrin I/Pyrethrin II ratio (%Py) for over a decade. Pyrethrum is an economically important “green pesticide,” producing %Py in glandular trichomes, with the highest concentration in the flowers. The compounds are useful as insecticides for mosquito, deer tick, bed bug, and insects affecting commercial plant production. Selection for early seed germination and flowering in first‐year pyrethrum seedlings successfully selected annualized perennials. The objectives of this research were to determine genetic variation within and among populations of C. cinerariifolium and Chrysanthemum coccineum from commercial seed lots from Africa, Australia, China, South America, the Netherlands, and the United States, as well as a wild population collected in Croatia and resultant F 1 hybrids from the UMN Breeding Program. A total of n = 404 genotypes from 58 populations were tested using DArTseqLD (Diversity Arrays Technology) genotype by sequencing to obtain single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers for 10 different groups. SNP analysis of all taxa resulted in 1786 polymorphic DArTseqLD SNP markers with C. coccineum being genetically distinct from all C. cinerariifolium in the principal component analyses. The global germplasm showed low levels of genetic diversity, demonstrating a very narrow germplasm base and confirmed sharing of genetic stock among private and public sector breeding programs and production firms. We found less genetic variation in the UMN germplasm than expected, although levels of heterozygosity increased in more recent pedigrees. However, several divergent outliers were found as potential sources to enhance genetic variation.

Perennial flax ( Linum sp.) is a new horticultural crop with potential use as a cut flower (CF) and an herbaceous perennial (HP) because its blue flowers provide a rare color in ornamentals. Crop ideotypes for CF and HP perennial flax serve as guides for future testing and product development (e.g., stock plant, cutting, and liner production). The objectives of this research were to determine greenhouse parameters for vegetative cuttings and flowering stem production to provide guidelines for producers. Fifteen CF Linum ( Linum perenne , L. austriacum , L. lewisii , L. bienne ) genotypes (CF1–CF15) were tested for greenhouse production factors. In Expt. 1, cutting yield and rooting ability/stock plant were measured to determine the genotype, container size (8.9 cm or 16.5 cm), soft pinching (pinched or unpinched), number of plants per container (one, two, or three), vernalization (before or after), and plant growth regulator (0 or 200 ppm ethephon) for 22 weeks. In Expt. 2, we tested indoor production requirements for flowering stem production to inform selection, breeding, and production scheduling. We measured morphological, phenotypic, and phenological production traits/genotype using one plant per container (13.3 cm) for 27 weeks. Pinching and ethephon treatments (Expt. 1) did not increase cutting production for CF genotypes; both container sizes averaged 2 to 3 cuttings/plant/week, regardless of plant number. Genotypes differed in production, and those with significantly higher cutting quantity and percent rooting included CF8, CF10, CF12, and CF14. Growing 3 stock plants/16.5-cm container under long days (16 hours) for 6 months was a successful protocol for stock plant production. Most traits differed significantly by CF genotype in Expt. 2. Genotypes with the CF ideotype traits of early flowering, extended flowering period, higher number of flowering stems/plant, stem length, large flowers, and plant habit were CF4, CF13, and CF14. These three genotypes averaged 25 flowering stems/plant and produced the greatest technical stem lengths (42–60 cm). Of the 15 Linum genotypes tested, the best selections for cutting production were CF12 and CF14, while CF4 and CF13 had the highest flowering stem production. All four genotypes should advance in the CF flax breeding program based on alignment with the CF ideotype model and should be hybridized to combine maximum flowering stems, greatest technical stem length, and greatest flower longevity in new hybrids.