Quality of pollen

Does it matter when you harvest your brug pollen? I notice a new bloom has very little pollen but when the anther's stalk starts looking older the pollen appears fluffier. Does the potency change? When is the most available for harvest?

thanks

Excellent question Kell.
If you are removing it so that it doesn't contaminate a special cross you have made but still want to save it for use on a cross at a later date, is it better to protect the cross with a 'pollen tight' barrier of some description and allow the flower's pollen that you want to save mature some before harvesting it?

I have harvested pollen at different stages of flowering and it didn't seem to matter. If I pick the pollen before it is fluffy I always dry it out.
Example:
We...Cala and I raided Roz's EPink pollen last year and the flowers were not open so the pollen was not fluffy. I brought it home left it on a paper plate and within two days it was dry and fluffy. I have used this pollen and it is very good.

On the other hand I have picked pollen from Species when the flower was open and the pollen was dry and it never did become fluffy....I threw it out. I hope you can understand what I'm trying to say. LOL

It is recommended to cover the stigma with foil after your pollinate the flower to keep the moths or bee from pollinating it again. I believe I read this in Monikas book?

Gosh, I don't do well at pollinating, Glory, but I am a great pollen producer!!!! Hope you can get lots more from my plants this year.

OHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH so Glory, on a new flower when the anthers are big and fat and white but no pollen seems to be on them. I need to let it dry out? You are so smart!

Kell,
Yes

Roz,
You did have some great EPink pollen. LOL

LOL Glory.....so you agree you are so smart!!!

Kell,
You are so bad!!!! I was agreeing with you on the drying out of the pollen. LOL

Well, you are so smart so there!! And a very nice lady, I might add!!!

((((((Blush)))))

Thanks for the clarification Glory.
I was unsure whether or not the pollen would be any good if collected to soon and you have answered this for us.
I have been saving my used fabric softener sheets, washing them then storing them to use this upcoming season to protect my pollinated flowers. They are light weight and will not really show up too much on the plant. Do you think they will work as well as the foil or are they too porous?

RA49,
the foil is so easy to use.....I just take a tiny piece and cover the stigma only.

Ok, thanks Glory. :)