John, I think basically all of the garden forms of L. radiata are var. radiata, which is a sterile triploid cultivar. I have seen numerous crosses involving ssp. pumila, I've heard of other fertile forms as well. Also, I've read that L. squamigera is extremely difficult to get good seed on, and might be a sterile triploid itself (I'm not certain of this). I'm not even sure how the genus Lycoris breaks down, and if even a cross of completely fertile radiata and squamigera could be successful - though it's worth a shot! I have seen markers indicating an extremely wide cross involving Lycoris radiata ssp. pumila and Clivia miniata (!), so stranger things may no doubt have happened : )

You should also glance through this article on breeding attempts with L. squamigera for still more thoughts on the subject. Later -

Stefan

John U:

Never say DIE! Go for it! Honestly, it may be a long shot (especially since you will have to wait until next year with this late a post), because L. squamigera is a sterile triploid. L. radiata var. radiata is also. If you have the seed bearing form var pumila (diploid), save the pollen from your surprise lilies, squamigera. For the most efficient pollen collection, remove anthers before they dihisce, lay indoors on a sheet of paper for a day or so, allowing it to "pop", then crease the paper, pour the pollen into an empty film canister, freeze until var. pumila is blooming.

I'm not an expert, but even long shots can produce results, and you don't even have to break a sweat to give it a go.

I had the same idea many years ago. The first problem is that I never found even one seed on L. squamigera, after checking every plant I could find. Hundreds, probably. Then, L. squamigera and L. radiata don't bloom at the same time.

Sam Caldwell got seeds and seedlings from L. squamigera by pollinating it with L. chinensis - a yellow-flowered species.
Karl

Here is a link that might be useful: At Long Last--Seeds On Lycoris squamigera

Has anyone tried to pull off a hexaploid conversion on Lycoris squamigera breed it to a diploid radiata for tetraploid seedlings?

What technique would one use to induce polyploidy in Lycoris as MrGiggles referenced above?