How to Pollinate Dahlia Plant:
Increase Your Yield

Dahlias are beautiful and colorful flowers that are widely grown for their ornamental value. However, they are also an important source of nectar and pollen for bees and other pollinators. Pollination is an essential process that ensures the successful reproduction of dahlias, resulting in a higher yield of flowers. In this article, we will discuss how to pollinate dahlia plants and increase your yield.

Why is Pollination Important?

Pollination is the transfer of pollen from the male part (anther) of the flower to the female part (stigma) of the same or another flower. This process is essential for fertilization and the production of seeds, which eventually results in a higher yield of flowers. Without pollination, dahlias cannot reproduce, and their growth and development will be stunted.

How to Pollinate Dahlia Plants

There are several methods of pollinating dahlia plants, including natural pollination by insects and manual pollination by humans. Here are some steps to follow if you want to manually pollinate your dahlia plants:

Step 1: Identify the Male and Female Parts of the Flower

Before you can start pollinating your dahlia plants, you need to identify the male and female parts of the flower. The male parts include the stamen, which consists of the anther (the part that produces pollen) and the filament (the stalk that supports the anther). The female parts include the stigma (the sticky surface where pollen grains land) and the style (the tube-like structure that connects the stigma to the ovary).

Step 2: Collect Pollen

To collect pollen from your dahlia plants, gently brush or tap the anther with a small brush or cotton swab. The pollen should transfer onto your brush or swab easily.

Step 3: Transfer Pollen to the Stigma

Next, transfer the collected pollen to the stigma of the same or another flower. Gently brush or tap the stigma with the brush or swab containing the pollen. Be sure to cover the entire surface of the stigma with pollen.

Step 4: Repeat the Process

Repeat this process with several flowers on your dahlia plant, especially those that are not showing signs of natural pollination. You can also cross-pollinate your dahlia plants by transferring pollen from one variety to another, which can result in new and interesting color combinations.

Tips for Successful Pollination

• Choose healthy and mature flowers for pollination.
• Pollinate your dahlias in the morning when the flowers are fully open.
• Use a small brush or cotton swab to collect and transfer pollen.
• Be gentle when handling the flowers to avoid damaging them.
• Make sure to cover the entire surface of the stigma with pollen.

FAQ

Can I use my fingers to collect and transfer pollen?

It is not recommended to use your fingers to collect and transfer pollen as this can damage both the anther and stigma of the flower. It is best to use a small brush or cotton swab.

Can I pollinate my dahlias in the afternoon?

It is best to pollinate your dahlias in the morning when the flowers are fully open and fresh.

What should I do if my dahlia flowers are not producing seeds?

If your dahlia flowers are not producing seeds, it could be due to poor pollination or other factors such as environmental conditions or pests. Try hand-pollinating your flowers and make sure they are getting enough water, sunlight, and nutrients.

In conclusion, pollination is an essential process that ensures successful reproduction in dahlias. By following these simple steps, you can manually pollinate your dahlia plants and increase your yield of beautiful flowers. Happy gardening!