From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Mount Prospect,illinois

Looks like my first female will open tomorrow (Thursday 7/2). The highs have dropped to the 60's the past few days after mid 90's earlier. Just curious if this has any adverse effect on the females during pollination or if it even hinders the females opening up?)

7/1/2009 2:09:56 PM

Rudolph

you want cooler temps when pollinating,it makes your success for a good pollination go up alot. the weather will not hinder your flower from opening in my opinion.

7/1/2009 2:25:28 PM

Farmville, Virginia ([email protected])

The cooler temps will definitely be an advantage to your pollinations. Normally we fight the high temps by packing ice around the base of the female to keep them cool. You will be fine.

7/1/2009 2:39:14 PM

Farmville, Virginia ([email protected])

still a good idea to shade that little lady from the direct sun though.

7/1/2009 2:39:40 PM

Somers, CT

I have also found heat waves tend to cause aborts. Many growers will try and cool the flowers to increase chances. I am sure too cold is not good either. Here it has rained for several weeks. Cold wet weather is only good if you are a duck.

7/1/2009 3:35:06 PM

Mount Prospect,illinois

Thanks for the info. I knew the high temps during poolination were not good. But i was not aware if seasonlly low temps had an adverse effect. Thanks again.

7/1/2009 4:28:09 PM

Boise City, Oklahoma, USA

Plant a resin lawn chair over her 3 days before pollenating if you can, and leave her shaded through and after you pollenate. That helps a LOT in warmer weather...

7/1/2009 5:23:04 PM

northern indiana

Just remember that the boys dont like to do their job when its cool. You may have to pick a few and take them into the house and warm them up to get the pollen to pop. The female is only receptive for a few hours and if you intend to hand pollinate, you can make the males pop their pollen by moving them to a warm place. I have used the heater in my truck and it works well to get the sluggish boys going on a cold morning when pollinating before leaving for work.
Hapdad

7/1/2009 10:08:48 PM

Boise City, Oklahoma, USA

I did one on the 30th, and it wasn't quite warm enough when I stripped the boys, just holding one in my hands cupped with petals gone... in a few moments the pollen just 'popped' up. Coolest thing I've ever seen.... air temp was about 65 btw.

7/1/2009 11:04:03 PM

Mount Prospect,illinois

I always cut some and bring them indoors the evening before. I always like to "do it" by hand. For some reason i always feel sleepy afterwards.

7/2/2009 2:19:22 PM