A Plumeria Just Like Mom - Understanding Inheritance

Many customers buy seeds and hope that the new plant will turn out just like the mother. Dark red, purple, and multicolored Plumerias are especially popular.

But what are my chances that the new bloom will turn out like mom?

For Plumeria seeds, you typically only know the name of the mother and not that of the father. With inheritance through seeds, the new plant can have at most a 50% resemblance to the mother or father. This is related to gene inheritance and genetic material.

50% inheritance – does that give the chance of the same color or?!

No, because 50% consists of:

• Color
• Growth form
• Scent
• Blossom form

What are the actual chances of getting the same color?

Very low! With a maximum inheritance of 50%, a dark red Plumeria like the „Black Sand“ could also turn white.

One possible scenario could be:
15% inheritance of the scent of the „Black Sand“
12% inheritance of the blossom form of the „Black Sand“
18% inheritance of the growth form of the „Black Sand“
5% inheritance of the blossom color of the „Black Sand“

This results in a new variety that may develop slightly pink flowers.
BUT: Out of 10 seeds from one seed pod, nearly all can develop into a different new plant!

Our tip

If the seeds you are looking for are currently unavailable, just take a colorful mix or simply seeds from another variety. It’s always a lottery, and who knows… maybe you’ll get the most beautiful Plumeria bloom you’ve ever seen!