How to Pollinate Chinese Lantern Plant:
Increase Your Yield

Chinese lantern plants are popular ornamental plants that are native to Asia. They are known for their bright orange papery lantern-like fruit which makes them a favorite amongst gardeners. However, the fruit only appears if the plant is successfully pollinated. In this article, we will discuss how to pollinate Chinese lantern plants to increase your yield.

Understanding Chinese Lantern Plants

Before we dive into pollination, it’s important to understand the structure of Chinese lantern plants. These plants have separate male and female flowers, which means that they require cross-pollination to produce fruit. The male flowers produce pollen while the female flowers have a stigma that receives the pollen.

Hand Pollination

If you want to ensure that your Chinese lantern plant produces fruit, you can hand pollinate it. Here are the steps you need to follow:

1. Locate the male and female flowers on your plant. The male flowers have long stamens with pollen while the female flowers have a stigma in the center.

2. Collect some pollen from the male flower using a small paintbrush or cotton swab.

3. Transfer the pollen to the center of the female flower’s stigma.

4. Repeat this process with all the female flowers on your plant.

Encourage Pollinators

Another way to ensure your Chinese lantern plant is successfully pollinated is by encouraging pollinators such as bees and butterflies to visit your garden. These insects are natural pollinators and will help cross-pollinate your plants.

To attract pollinators, make sure you have a variety of flowering plants in your garden that bloom at different times of the year. You should also avoid using pesticides and herbicides, as these chemicals can harm insects.

FAQ

How long does it take for a Chinese lantern plant to produce fruit?

Chinese lantern plants typically take 80-100 days from seed to harvest.

Is it possible to grow Chinese lantern plants indoors?

Yes, Chinese lantern plants can be grown indoors but they need a lot of sunlight and space to grow. Make sure you place them near a window that receives at least six hours of sunlight a day.

Can I eat the Chinese lantern fruit?

The Chinese lantern fruit is not edible and can be toxic if ingested. It’s best to use it for ornamental purposes only.

Conclusion

Pollinating your Chinese lantern plants is essential if you want to increase your yield. By hand pollinating or encouraging natural pollinators, you can ensure that your plants produce fruit. With the tips provided in this article, you can enjoy a beautiful and bountiful harvest from your Chinese lantern plant.