How do you do it? (saving pollen)
Take the pollen and freeze it?
I have pollen, and would like to save some.
Linda
Saving pollen
You can put it in little baggies and keep it in the fridge, you can put it on Q- tips, keep it in the fridge also. I wouldn't freeze it if you're planning on using it in the next month or two. I think personally, fresh pollen is better than frozen pollen. Let it sit at room temperature before you use it.
I keep mine in coin sized ziplock bags.Coin stores sell em or you can find them at flea markets.I then label and keep in the fridge door for future use. :-)
Thank you both, that's just the info I was looking for. I will have lots blooming soon, in a few weeks or less, so will try to save some then.
Linda
You can buy the little ziplock baggies in a store like walmart. They will be in the craft department, and only cost a dollar or two for a big bundle.
I guess I do it a little differently. It has taken me awhile to figure this out for me. I take a 6 inch square of wax paper. I fold it over in half. Then I take each side and fold to the middle. It makes a little envelope. I take it outside with me.
I use a curved hemostat to pull out the anthers. I put them in my little wax paper envelope. I mark it with a magic marker as to type and date.
I leave it open for 2 days. Then I close it with masking tape. I put in refrig for up to 1 week. When I need it I just peel back the making tape and dip my paint brush in.
If I have not used it all, I wrap in silver foil and place in freezer bag in the freezer. When I need it, I just pull it out of bag and foil, take it outside with me with a kid's paint brush that I have cut the brush in half, and dip in and use. I do not redip.
I have used frozen pollen that is one year old and it took. Though usually I have enough fresh on hand I have not had to use it.
I wash the hemostat and paint brush in a water and bleach solution. I got that tip from GTS! thanks
Masking tape can be peeled down and restuck. Pollen on wax paper is readily available! I can scrape down the sides with my brush!
The few times I used pollen that had been left out for more than a week, resulted in no pods. I think Monika leaves hers out, I just did not have any luck!
You can also sterilize the tweezers or whatever you use with rubbing alcohol.It kills the pollen on contact.Thats how I clean my brushes when I cross flowers.
I don't like using brushes... it seems like most of the pollen gets lost in the bristles and none gets on the flower I'm trying to pollinate.
What do you use, Sue? I find that the brushes do absorb a lot of pollen too. When I have lots, it doesn't bother me. Maybe I should start saving some for next spring.