From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Edmonton, 53.5N, 113.6W

I've generally had about a .500 take rate on pollinations, and want to hit 1.000. I've heard that heat is bad, but what about cold? I live pretty far north and typically have overnight lows around the mid 50's which is generally the temp in the morning. Is that too cold? How long after 'doing the deed' is it ok for the girl to get warm? How may boys should have their way with the girl for best results? Should the boys be just opened or a day or two old? Can you save pollen, that is tap it out of the boys, store it and then use it in a week or two? I'm not a total noob but am really shopping around for opinions on the ideal process and environment.

6/14/2013 6:14:33 PM

43.841677 , -79.086692

This is what I do. Everyone is different. The night before around diner time I put a zip lok bag over the female. After dark, I get a flashlight and long arm pruners. I pick every male available from the plant i'm using as a pollinator. There could be one or 7-8..... I put them in the house in a glass of water.
The next day I use every male I got on the female then use a zip tie to keep her closed. Then I use a Jarvis enviro-shield to protect her from the sun. I cant remember having a failed pollination.. Last year was crazy hot at pollination time (90's)

6/14/2013 7:23:15 PM

43.841677 , -79.086692

Envirosheild -> http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=178274

I use a similar one, only I leave ends open for air flow. Material is a dollar store mylar blanket.

6/14/2013 8:01:50 PM

Colorado

I think I read 65 degrees (or warmer) for pollinating. Three males is ideal for pollinating. You can put males in the fridge for 24hrs but freshly opened males are your best bet

6/14/2013 8:53:57 PM

Edmonton, 53.5N, 113.6W

Thanks for the replies - I like the idea of taking a bunch of males inside to make sure I have a bunch of freshly opened boys who's pollen hasn't been stolen by the bees.

6/14/2013 11:33:43 PM

Brookfield, Wisconsin

I would like a clarification on the male flower part. Isn't it possible to have cross contamination (pollen from other male flowers) if you use male flowers that have been open and unprotected?

6/15/2013 4:44:54 AM

Georgetown, Ontario

Yes bowhunter, that's why you have to protect the female and the males from bees if you are doing a specific cross. If you use a male that was already open and not covered when you get out to the patch you need to call it an open pollination. There's no way you can tell if a bee dropped pollen from a male on a different plant into the males you are using.

6/15/2013 6:38:45 AM

Eastern Pennsylvania

Bringing them inside the night before they open ensures that not bees get to the males. Tie or cover the females.

6/15/2013 2:46:45 PM

43.841677 , -79.086692

there is also a theory that putting a plastic bag over the female with contain methane and help ripen the female....

6/15/2013 3:47:51 PM

Englehart, Ontario

My nights are pretty cold too. I have had pretty good success with polinations without any protection.

6/16/2013 7:37:16 AM