Becoming a Pro Pollinator

Does anybody know what pollination is? Yes, with a simple understanding of biology, many of us know its a process that helps plants reproduce. However, most of us just know the pollen part, especially during spring with allergies. Despite this, pollination is extremely important for plants as well as the ecosystems they inhabit. This process is one of many that helps plants spread, and can impact other species. Yes, insects, bees, water, wind, and other animals pollinate plants when they can't do it themselves. Fortunately, you can pollinate plants too! I'm going take you through a step by step tutorial on how to pollinate plants by using Hibiscus Rosa-Sinensis L. Tropical plants are easier to pollinate, but almost any plant can be helped with human pollination.

Step 1: Gather the Pollen

Plants that use pollination as a means of reproduction will produce a flower that has the reproductive parts it needs to reproduce. Just like humans, plants have male and female reproductive parts. However, the flowers of many plants have both male and female parts. Some can have one or the other as well. The flower has the male reproductive part, containing the Anther, which produces pollen. The act of pollination is when pollen from the anther reaches the Pistil, otherwise known as the female part of the plant. Pollen will travel from the stigma (the beginning of the pistil) down the style, and into the ovary. Pollen Granules that make it here will be the basis of seeds that will be created. What I'm doing in the photo is coming in with my Q-Tip, and gathering pollen from the flower's anther. Rub the Q-Tip in a circular motion to capture as much pollen as you can on your tool.

Step 2: Brush the Pistil

Now that you've collected the pollen, it's time for the process to begin. The Pistil (as previously mentioned) is the female part of the plant. It consists of the style, stigma, and ovary. With your pollen sample, brush your Q-Tip in another circular motion against the Style (the very top of the Pistil). In doing so, you're essentially sending pollen granules down the stigma, and into the ovary, where they will be fertilized, and become seeds. Throughout the entire process, make sure your are being gentle with the plants. Don't be to forceful, as you can damage the fragile plant. This process is also timely. The Hibiscus plant has flowers that open for only about a day. They then close, and if pollinated, will produce seeds. After pollinating the flower, the Anther will stop producing pollen, so be sure to be careful and methodical in your initial attempt.

Step 3: Wait and Harvest

Now that you've successfully pollinated your plant, all you can do is wait. Times for different plants can vary. The Hibiscus plant can take anywhere from 1-2 months to produce seed pods. Pollinating flowers doesn't always produce seed pods however. A lot of seeds we know of come in the form of fruits and vegetables, that we tend to pick seeds out of. If you've pollinated a hibiscus plant, be sure to harvest the seed pod when it just starts to open. Harvesting too late can result in over cracked seed pods, where seeds will leak out and spread everywhere. Once you've got your seeds, feel free to replant them and grow more of your favorite plants. You can also try experimenting with pollen and pollination. Hibiscus flowers are plants that come in many different colors. You can cross-pollinate plants, and create new colors of your very own! The best time to start was yesterday, but the second best time to start is now!