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Can anyone tell me why my male flowers would be dried out without much pollen? At this time of the year do I just let the bees do the job??

8/9/2011 6:10:17 PM

Cincinnati,OH

If you dont cover the male flowers the bees will get most of the pollen in a couple hours.
If you arent saving the seeds, an open pollination is fine, let the bees do it.

8/9/2011 6:30:51 PM

Upa Creek, MO

Are you getting up at dark? You should if the bees are active.

8/9/2011 6:56:11 PM

Ashby, MA

One method I found that works really well is to cover up the male and female flowers the night before they're going to open (they take on an orange/yellow color).

1) Cover them with a large 16oz. styrofoam cup. Also put a stick right next to the cup and put an elastic band around the stick and cup for extra support against the wind.
2) Next morning uncover the cups over your male flowers and cut the stem of the male flower and bring them over the female flower.
3) Remove the cup over the female flower and gently remove the pedals from the male flower and gently rub the pollen from the male flower on the lobes of the female flower. Use a few male flowers if possible.
4) Then gently close the pedals of the female flower and put an elastic band around the top of the pedals to keep it shut.
5) Replace the styrofoam cup over the female flower.
6) In 24-48 hours remove the pedals from the female flower so moisture doesn't cause mildew.

Good luck.

8/10/2011 9:55:13 AM