Pollen Request... 'Violette'

by Admin 26th July 2009, 13:10

Hi All,

My little 'Violette' plants probably won't flower for me this year as they are newly struck cuttings about 20cm long. I'm keen to try 'Violette' with 'Ebb Tide' when 'Ebb Tide' starts flowering. Would someone mind collecting some 'Violette' pollen when their one starts flowering to send down to me?

Here's what you should do if you think you can help:

Snip off flowers (about 5-6 if that's ok) that are just about to open.
Remove the petals and snip off the anthers onto a small piece of paper.
Let the anthers dehisce. This means the anthers will burst releasing the pollen onto the paper.
Let it sit in a warm dry place out of direct sunlight for a day.
Fold the piece of paper around it and seal it shut with sticky-tape.
Pop it in an envelope to post.

I was using plastic bags but have changed this as I have been told it can cause the pollen to sweat and spoil before arriving.

If anyone can help with this I'd love to hear from you.