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Nauvoo, Alabama

Yesterday my female was partially open, not fully. Just enough that I could see down inside and had 5 segments.
I only had one male bloom available and could see no other would be available for a few days so I went ahead and pollinated the female.
This morning the female was fully open and no males in site.

Was it too early to pollinate--will it take?

6/17/2007 10:26:22 AM

South Bloomfield, Ohio

Cricket,

When you spot a female partially open, protect it until it fully opens the next day. Cut a male of the same maturity the night before it is expected to open an place the stem in a glass of water(this will keep the pollen dry).

Early the following morning,carefully cut the petals from around the stamen and rub the dry pollen over the center of the female. Carefully tie the female's petals closed to protect it from insects which might pollinate it with pollen other than that which you desire.

Since you grow in a hot climate, take a cheap styrofoam cooler and cover the pollinated female with it and a gallon jug of ice beneath it. This will keep your newly-pollinated female cool.

6/17/2007 11:20:35 AM

South Bloomfield, Ohio

As a side note, it may not be necessary to tie the petals if you cover the female with the cooler.

6/17/2007 11:22:02 AM

Nauvoo, Alabama

but will it take anyway? even though this one was a day early on pollination?

thanks on info for saving the male bloom. I didnt know I could do that.

have another female to pollinate in a week i guess.


Just how long do you have to cool the newly pollinated?
Til its too big for the cooler?

6/17/2007 12:00:07 PM

San Luis Obispo, Ca.

Any bee's around? Let them do the job if possible. If not, step in like you did and hope for the best.

6/17/2007 12:30:02 PM

Cincinnati,OH

Iv'e tried 1 day early pollination and it didn't work for me.

6/17/2007 12:36:58 PM

South Bloomfield, Ohio

Keep the female cool until you are sure it has taken. Shade will help afterward.

6/17/2007 2:29:06 PM

Sort of Sunny Sometimes, WA

Dang, where is Freud when you need him?

6/17/2007 4:03:39 PM

Nauvoo, Alabama

covered with styrofoam cooler Now with jug ice.

6/17/2007 4:15:16 PM

Nauvoo, Alabama

Just how long does it take before you know if pollination takes or not?
3 days after pollination and mine is still growing nicely. Is she teasing me?

6/19/2007 9:44:58 AM

Nauvoo, Alabama

found out-------about 10 days according to TLish.

6/19/2007 11:27:11 PM