How to Pollinate Cleome Plant:
Increase Your Yield

Cleome plant, also known as spider flower, is a popular ornamental plant grown for its showy flowers and attractive foliage. This plant belongs to the family of Capparaceae and is native to South America. The flowers of the cleome plant are self-fertile, meaning they can pollinate themselves and produce seeds without the need for external pollinators. However, hand-pollinating the flowers can increase the yield and quality of the seeds. In this article, we will discuss how to pollinate cleome plant and increase your yield.

Why Hand-Pollinate Cleome Plant?

Hand-pollination involves transferring pollen from one flower to another by hand. This method is useful when external pollinators like bees and butterflies are not available or when you want to produce seeds with specific traits. Hand-pollinating cleome plants can increase the yield and quality of the seeds by ensuring that each flower is properly pollinated.

When to Hand-Pollinate Cleome Plant?

The best time to hand-pollinate cleome plants is when the flowers are fully open and the stamens are visible. The stamens are long, slender structures that protrude from the center of the flower and contain pollen. The stigma, which is located at the top of the pistil, is receptive to pollen when it is moist and sticky.

How to Pollinate Cleome Plant?

To hand-pollinate cleome plants, you will need a small paintbrush or cotton swab. Follow these steps:

1. Select a flower that has fully opened and has visible stamens.
2. Gently touch the paintbrush or cotton swab to the stamens to collect pollen.
3. Transfer the pollen to the stigma by gently brushing it against the stigma.
4. Repeat this process for each flower that you want to pollinate.

Tips for Successful Hand-Pollination

Here are some tips to ensure successful hand-pollination:

• Choose flowers that are healthy and fully open.
• Pollinate the flowers in the morning when the pollen is fresh.
• Use a clean paintbrush or cotton swab to avoid contamination.
• Avoid touching the stigma with your fingers as it can damage the delicate structure.
• Pollinate each flower only once to prevent over-pollination.

FAQ

Can I pollinate cleome plants with a different variety?

Yes, you can pollinate cleome plants with a different variety to produce hybrid seeds. However, keep in mind that the resulting seeds may not produce plants with the same traits as the parent plants.

How long does it take for cleome seeds to germinate?

Cleome seeds usually take 7-14 days to germinate. However, the germination time may vary depending on the growing conditions.

Can I save seeds from my cleome plants?

Yes, you can save seeds from your cleome plants. Allow the seed pods to mature and turn brown before harvesting them. Store the seeds in a cool, dry place until you are ready to plant them.

In conclusion, hand-pollinating cleome plants can increase the yield and quality of the seeds. By following the tips mentioned above, you can successfully pollinate your cleome plants and produce healthy seeds that will grow into beautiful spider flowers.