Interesting. You have chosen the perfect variety to work with, because although Merit was bred by Asgrow and released in 1961, it is now owned by Monsanto. A re-selected strain will take a few years, but if you start growing a few plants just for seed and select for top characteristics, you can do it. Merit is a Golden Bantam type, most likely hybridized for earliness and rust resistance. Several seed companies sell improved strains of Golden Bantam, so you could even do your own crossing by interplanting the two varieties. Good luck!

OMG, that's it!! It's amylville's kitchen. I can't believe you found it from my vague description. How did you figure out that was the kitchen I was describing? I spent about two hours looking through the kithen blog last night and never could find it. Thank you so much. Laurie

Had to go to the drug store anyway, so whipped into Elder Beermans and headed for the CK clearance rack. Couldn't find the rack of clothes. Almost left, then asked the clerk if there was any chance she knew if they had the said top left in 2X. She said, "I think we still have those" and lead me right to them - there was the charcoal color, but in my size? She went through them and held up a 2X!, then she held up another 2X! I nearly hugged her. She was smiling. And I was a greedy puss and took BOTH of them at 60% off. LOL! Now I have three of the same top in the same color. Oh my. I should have left one for someone else. patti43 - I wonder if I should have Googled my local Elder Beermans instead of EB in general? Then I found two other shirts that I really liked. ellendi, I just got home and read your post. I have done that in the past as well, buy something in multiple colors because it fit. Only this CK top in bright red and orange just isn't me. Thanks again all and as I said I'll remember all the tips for stain removal (I've got three to practice on!) and work on the first top to see if I have any results.

Make a clean cut with a clean alcohol wiped sharp knife, and make sure there is no discoloration. IF there is enough of the column left sprinkle with cinnamon ( a natural fungicide) and callous for a few days . Put it in pumice or perlite and DO NOT WATER till you feel resistance from roots. misting is allowed. The cactus is small and immature and might not have enough stored energy and water to go through this process.After it has developed some roots, one can plant it in some better soil.