Hand-pollinating:
Basically, you are transferring pollen from one flower to the stigma of another and then you must cover the pollinated flower to isolate it from being pollinated by a different variety.
1. The flower to be pollinated is emasculated (stripped of anthers or male parts).
• This should be done BEFORE the male parts begin to release pollen (typically just before the flower opens).
2. To transfer the pollen, either...
• Remove the entire flower and touch the anthers to the
stigma.
• Place a bag over the flower heads and shake to collect
the pollen and then transfer the pollen with a feather or
fine brush.
3. After pollination has occurred, the flower should be covered
with a bag or taped (squash flowers and other large flowers).
4. Remove the bag or tape after approximately one week.
Minimum Population Size: This refers to the smallest number of plants that can be grown of one variety to ensure genetic integrity. There is a more in-depth minimum population size sheet at the end of this section.
• In general,
o 200 plants for cross-pollinated varieties.
o 60-80 plants for self-pollinated varieties.
o These figures often vary depending on who you talk to.