Cross-pollination torpedoes varietal purity
With pretty flowers, chilies attract insects all summer in the hope of pollination. This is not always desirable, especially if you have different varieties breed. So-called cross-pollination ultimately leads to hybrids that nobody likes.
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There is a lack of pollinating insects in the conservatory, living room or greenhouse. Without specific intervention by the gardener, sooner or later the longed-for pods will not be available.
Good to know that chilli plants are self-fertile. Specifically, this means that fertilization can take place within the same inflorescence. The pollen only has to get from one flower to the other on the individual plant.
Dust the chilli before the flower opens
For the artificial pollination to be successful, the mercury column must not fall below 19 degrees Celsius. The tool consists of a fine hair brush of each type and a pair of tweezers.
- Carefully open the flower with the tweezers
- use the brush to transfer the pollen from one flower to the other
- Pack each pollinated flower in a sleeve made of gauze or tulle and label it
The use of your own brush is essential variety. Optionally, cotton swabs can also do the job.
Do not shake blooming chilli
At first glance, the chilli layman suspects that shaking the plants at the right time will achieve the desired effect. This can only be approved if a single variety is within 400 meters.
The vast majority of chilli enthusiasts, however, prefer growing different varieties. In this case, shaking is extremely counterproductive. The delicate flower pollen spreads unhindered on all chilli plants that are on their way.
In the open air, a gentle gust of wind is enough to achieve the same effect. Therefore, knowledgeable hobby gardeners pack their chilli plants in air-permeable covers. To be on the safe side, they also pollinate with a brush.
Tips & Tricks
In the allotment garden there is no need to invest in expensive gauze fabric to protect chilli plants. Cheap tea bags that you can fill yourself are quickly sold individually blossoms put inside.
