The process of self-pollinating a Hippeastrum flower is quite easy, mainly because the parts of the flower are so large and easy to see and handle.
In order to obtain as much pleasure from a flower as I can before pollinating it, I usually wait until the very first signs of fading are present. Once pollen is introduced to the stigma, the flower will immediately begin to fade.
These may be beyond their prime for breeding, but I'll probably try it anyway.
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I'll move on to the last flower on Pink Impression.
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The stigma is slightly turned up, which means it is ready to accept pollen.
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Here, you can see the ripe yellow pollen on the anthers, and the waiting stigma below.
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I cut a stamen from the flower with sharp scissors. It helps to hold the stamen with a pair of tweezers.
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I gently rub the anther on the stigma, depositing plenty of pollen on all three segments and down into the center.
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As you can see, earlier attempts at pollination are in various stages of aborting.
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Here is the last flower on Queen of Hearts.
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Notice that the stigma has not yet tilted upward, nor is it open to accept pollen at this time.
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A previous attempt to pollinate is aborting, even though the pod is partially formed. The scape has died, and won't support the pod to maturity.
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Other attempts are still growing, and will hopefully reach maturity.
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In another day or two the stigma will open and tilt upward, signaling its readiness to accept pollen.
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Here is a seed pod developing on White Christmas. It's almost mature.
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Here are seed pods already harvested from Lemon Star.
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And finally, here is the third scape getting ready to open on Red Peacock! This is one generous bulb!
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Thank you for joining me on this adventure into self-pollinating Hippeastrum flowers. Please feel free to ask any questions you may have... I'll do my best to answer them.
I hope to get better photos while pollinating the Queen of Hearts flower. I shall post those in a few days.
Happy Gardening!
jodik_gwOriginal Author