Question
Thank you for the reply, info and the link. It looks like I have some reading to do. I have NEVER tried to do anything like this before with roses.   I will do some reading and see what I come up with. I have no looked at the link yet, but is there a 'growing roses for dummies' book or something like that. I am not really sure why I am looking to try this, but what else is there to do on a cold winters day. We do get COLD. We do hit well below zero but for the most part we average in the single or double digits above. What I do not like is the wind. Zero and no wind is a whole lot better than 32 and a 25 MPH wind.
Anyway, thank you again for the insite.
Dave in ND
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Followup To

Question -
I have read that one can take the hips and shell them for seeds. I was wondering since I am in North Dakota and winter will be starting before we know it, what is the best thing to do with the seeds? I would like to get the seeds to grow so I can plant them in the spring. I have 3 bushes, no idea the type or name,that are growing very nice....I want more:) Please let me know what I should do.
Thank you.
Dave in N.Dakota

Answer -
Hi Dave, The Santa Clarita Rose Society posts some excellent instructions on this little project at its website (www.scvrs.homestead.com/HybridizeKB1.html).

I describe their instructions as excellent because more than anything, the writer is realistic and truthful about the obstacles you face when you try to propogate Roses this way.  It is inefficient and unreliable.  The pro's, of course, are that you are cultivating a unique plant whose genetic expressions are guaranteed to surprise you.  And you get to name that Rose when it finally does bud and bloom.

In her own words: "There will be disappointments along the way, when many seeds fail to germinate, or perhaps they do germinate, only to die several weeks later from damp-off disease."

And when you finally do find Roses on your lovingly tended specimen, which you have raised from a seedling, there's no guarantee it won't be ugly.

North Dakota does not offer a Rose-friendly climate. Most American climates are not ideal, in fact, for these beautiful plants.  But we grow them anyway, against all odds, and frequently lose some or all of them.  This has the potential to negatively impact your breeding activities in a major way.  I don't know how long you have been growing Roses up in your end of the woods, but if my geography classes were worth anything, North Dakota gets REALLY cold in the winter.  Please correct me if I'm wrong.

It is critical to select Roses that are hardy in your neighborhood, Dave.  If they die back, you will probably end up growing offshoots off the tougher surviving rootstock that does not have as pretty a bloom as the upper part of the plant.  You've heard them talk about it - a grower will "glue" the top part of a very pretty, very popular rose to the roots of a Rose grown because it has strong roots that survive your frigid winter temps and winds.  Usually those tough Roses are just not very pretty.

If you're looking for a slightly easier, more reliabe way of propogating Roses, why not consider rooted cuttings?  They take forever - but less time than growing seeds.  Let me know if you would like some guidance on that, or if you have any other questions relating to Rose gardening.

Still serious about this? Join up lickity split with the Rose Hybridizers Society, a group of dedicated, friendly Rose-loving hobbyists who have been there and done just about all of that.  Check their website for current membership and contact information (www.rosehybridizers.org).

Answer
Dave, I think you have picked a wonderful pastime and it's one of those things you can be totally hooked on - challenging, rewarding, requires patience, and there's always more to learn.

I am familiar with the Roses For Dummies book - it is an excellent, excellent reference and it's packed with information and clearly written.  You can get it on Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble or Buy.com for books.

Good luck and do let me know if you have any more questions.