Can someone please give me some info on pollen collection? I have 2 males that are @ 1week after showing balls. Thanks, + rep. for answers
1) Place a dry, sterile, open bag/container under the opening male flowers.
2) Gently tap the stem with a finger. The pollen will slowly settle into the container. (If you are careful, only a few flowers will fall into the mix.
3) Remove any flower/plant parts that land in your container with the pollen. Tap them off gently before removing, to recover the pollen. (Moisture = BAD)
4) Dilute pollen with sterilized flour at a four-to-one ratio. This will allow more coverage if required (Optional)
5) Refrigerate until use. (Viable for around 3-5 days)
6) Immediately change your clothing and clean up before going near your female plants.
[Also, it is a good idea to isolate your pets during this time. I had a cat run in once when I was collecting pollen and after I chased it out, it promptly ran downstairs and into my Flowering room. A month later I had some very unusually crossed beans]
This is a real easy and practical method for harvesting a small amount.
Pollination disclaimer: This method is not recommended for everybody. Cross-pollination is often a result of pollinating plants in the presence of other females. Proceed at your own risk.
Due to weak branches, space and size considerations, etc., it may be necessary to pollinate your plants without removing them from the others. If possible, I would advise removing the female to be fertilized prior, but when that isn't possible, this is a good alternative.
This is no longer a 250W grow, should I or can I change the name of the thread? It's now the 250W veg./400W flower thread, lol
