Content
- So you pollinate chili for varietal seed
- Cross-pollination torpedoes variety purity
- Chilli pollinate before the flower opens
- Do not shake blooming chili
- Tips & Tricks
So you pollinate chili for varietal seed
In the open air insects take over the pollination of chilli flowers. In indoor culture or for pure seed, artificial insemination is essential. Anyone who knows about prevents unwanted hybrids - according to a sophisticated strategy and with simple means.
Cross-pollination torpedoes variety purity
With pretty flowers, chilies attract insects throughout the summer, hoping for pollination. This is not always desirable, especially if you breed different varieties. So-called cross-pollination ultimately leads to hybrids that nobody likes.
In the conservatory, living room or greenhouse, there is a lack of pollinating insects. Without a targeted intervention by the gardener, sooner or later, the longed for pods stay out.
Good to know that chilli plants are self-fertile. In concrete terms, this means that fertilization can take place within the same inflorescence. The pollen on the individual plant only needs to move from one flower to the other.
Chilli pollinate before the flower opens
For artificial pollination to be successful, the mercury column should not fall below 19 degrees Celsius. The tool consists of a fine hair brush of each variety and tweezers.
Of essential importance is the use of a separate brush of each variety. Optionally, cotton swabs fulfill the task as well.
Do not shake blooming chili
At first glance, the chili layman suspects that shaking the plants at the given time will produce the desired effect. This can only be agreed if there is a single variety within a radius of 400 meters.
The vast majority of chili enthusiasts, however, favor the cultivation of different varieties. In this case, shaking is extremely counterproductive. The delicate pollen spreads freely on all chili plants that are on their way.
In the open air, a gentle gust of wind is enough to achieve the same effect. Therefore, skilled hobby gardeners pack their chili plants into air-permeable casings. To be on the safe side, use a brush to perform the pollination.
Tips & Tricks
In the allotment garden, investing in costly gauze to protect chilies can be avoided. Cheap tea bags for self-filling are quickly put over individual flowers.