Since the 1950’s, Weeks has invested in developing proprietary rose hybrids through its own breeding program, now under the direction of Tom Carruth, Hybridizer / Horticulturist, since 1988. Tom also works with international and U.S. amateur breeders to commercialize their hybrids. Each year at the research greenhouses in Upland, California, Weeks hand-pollinates around 24,000 flowers to produce about 200,000 seeds. After a thorough eight to ten year evaluation period, only three or four new hybrids with outstanding characteristics emerge as truly superior and market worthy. Weeks utilizes the All-America Rose Selection (AARS) Trials to test for broad climate performance in the U.S. Weeks has had six AARS Winners since 1996. Some of Weeks’ seedlings are marketed internationally.