How to Pollinate Gopher Plant:
Increase Your Yield

Gopher plant, also known as Euphorbia lathyris or mole plant, is a drought-tolerant perennial that produces large amounts of seed pods. The plant is commonly grown in gardens for its ornamental value and as a natural pest repellent. However, to get the most out of your gopher plant, you need to know how to properly pollinate it. In this article, we will discuss the steps you can take to increase your yield.

Why is Pollination Important?

Pollination is an essential process for plants, including gopher plants. It involves transferring pollen from the male part of a flower to the female part, leading to the development of seeds. Without pollination, plants cannot produce fruit or seeds, leading to reduced yield or no yield at all.

How to Pollinate Gopher Plant

There are two methods for pollinating gopher plants: natural pollination and hand pollination.

Natural Pollination

Natural pollination occurs when bees or other insects visit the flowers of the gopher plant. Bees are attracted to the yellow-green flowers of gopher plants due to their nectar and pollen. To attract bees and other pollinators to your garden, you can plant flowers such as lavender, marigolds, and sunflowers around your gopher plants.

Hand Pollination

Hand pollination is a more reliable method of pollinating gopher plants. This method involves manually transferring pollen from the male flower to the female flower using a brush or cotton swab.

To hand-pollinate your gopher plant:

1. Identify the male and female flowers. Male flowers have a long stalk with several small flowers at the top. Female flowers have a shorter stalk with a single large flower at the top.
2. Wait until the male flower has fully matured and is producing pollen.
3. Gently brush the male flower with a cotton swab or small brush to collect pollen.
4. Transfer the pollen to the female flower by gently brushing it onto the stigma, which is the sticky part at the center of the flower.
5. Repeat this process for each female flower on your gopher plant.

Hand pollination should be done early in the morning when it is cooler and less windy. It is also important to avoid touching the flowers with your fingers as this can damage them.

Tips for Successful Pollination

Here are some additional tips to help you increase your yield by successfully pollinating your gopher plants:

• Keep your gopher plant healthy by providing it with adequate water and nutrients.
• Remove any weeds or other plants that may compete with your gopher plant for water and nutrients.
• Make sure your gopher plant is getting enough sunlight.
• Protect your gopher plant from pests and diseases that can damage the flowers and reduce yield.

FAQ

When is the best time to pollinate my gopher plant?

The best time to pollinate your gopher plant is in the morning when it is cooler and less windy.

Can I use a paintbrush instead of a cotton swab for hand pollination?

Yes, a paintbrush can be used instead of a cotton swab for hand pollination.

How often should I hand-pollinate my gopher plant?

Hand-pollination should be done once a week during the flowering season to ensure maximum yield.

Can I use natural pollination alone or do I need to hand-pollinate my gopher plant?

Natural pollination can work but is not as reliable as hand-pollination. Using both methods will increase your chances of a higher yield.

In conclusion, pollinating your gopher plants properly will help you get the most out of your garden. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can increase your yield and enjoy the benefits of a healthy and productive gopher plant.