How to Pollinate Cats Pajamas Plant:
Increase Your Yield

The Cats Pajamas plant, also known as the Catmint Nepeta faassenii, is a beautiful perennial herbaceous plant that produces lovely blue flowers. This plant is known for its attractive foliage and its ability to attract bees and butterflies to your garden. However, if you want to increase your yield of flowers, it is essential to know how to pollinate your Cats Pajamas plant properly. In this article, we will discuss how to pollinate your Cats Pajamas plant and increase its yield.

Understanding the Pollination Process

Before we dive into the pollination process, it’s important to understand what it means. Pollination is the process where pollen from the male part of a flower (anther) is transferred to the female part of another flower (stigma). This process leads to the fertilization of the ovules, resulting in fruit and seed production.

Cats Pajamas plants are self-fertile, meaning they can pollinate themselves, but cross-pollination can help increase the yield of flowers. Cross-pollination occurs when pollen from one plant is transferred to another plant.

Techniques for Pollinating Cats Pajamas Plant

Here are two techniques for pollinating your Cats Pajamas plants:

Hand Pollination

Hand pollination involves transferring pollen from the anthers of one flower to the stigmas of another flower. You can use a small paintbrush or cotton swab for this process. Gently brush the anthers of one flower, collecting pollen on the brush or swab. Then, transfer the collected pollen onto the stigma of another flower.

Natural Pollination

Natural pollination occurs when bees and other insects visit your garden and move from flower to flower, transferring pollen as they go. To increase natural pollination in your garden, you can plant other flowers and herbs that attract bees and butterflies. Some examples of plants that attract pollinators are lavender, salvia, and echinacea.

When to Pollinate Cats Pajamas Plant

Cats Pajamas plants usually bloom from late spring to early fall. The best time to pollinate your Cats Pajamas plant is in the morning when the flowers are fully open. Choose a day when the weather is dry, and there is no wind. Wind can blow away pollen, making it difficult for cross-pollination to occur.

FAQ

How do I know if my Cats Pajamas plant needs pollination?

If your Cats Pajamas plant is producing flowers but not fruit, it may need pollination. You can also observe if there are any bees or butterflies visiting your garden. If there are no visitors, you may need to pollinate the plants yourself.

Can I use a different tool for hand pollination?

Yes, you can use any small brush or swab for hand pollination. You can also use a small spoon or your fingers.

Can I cross-pollinate my Cats Pajamas plant with other plants?

No, you cannot cross-pollinate your Cats Pajamas plant with other plants because they belong to a different species.

Do I need to protect my Cats Pajamas plant after pollination?

No, you don’t need to protect your Cats Pajamas plant after pollination. Just let nature take its course, and the flowers will turn into seeds eventually.

Conclusion

Pollinating your Cats Pajamas plants is a simple process that can help increase the yield of flowers in your garden. Whether you choose hand pollination or natural pollination, make sure to do it at the right time of day and on a dry day. Don’t forget to attract bees and butterflies to your garden, which can help with natural pollination. With these tips, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of lovely blue flowers from your Cats Pajamas plants.