Appearance, characteristics and use

Fertilize oleander flowers

But before the oleander can produce fruit, the flowers must first be fertilized. The flowers of the plant are hermaphroditic, i. H. both female and male. Theoretically, self-fertilization is possible, but it is more likely when two different oleanders Mutually exchange genetic information - this is also necessary to obtain new varieties, for example. Usually fertilization takes place via animals or insects, but the hobby breeder can also do this by hand. All you need is a brush, which you can use to transfer pollen from one flower to another immediately after opening the flower buds.

Create good conditions for the pods to ripen

The formation of the pods is not crowned with success every summer, because the oleander needs a lot of sun and warmth for this. In rather cool and rainy summers can therefore

also fail the bloom. In addition, the seed pods usually take a long time to mature - German summers are often too short for this process. However, you can artificially extend the warm season by placing the oleander in a warm and Relocate the bright winter garden - do not forget to add additional plant lamps to install. The pods are ready for harvest as soon as they turn brown and split open lengthways.

The brownish seeds contained in it have - similar to the seeds of the dandelion - umbrellas, because oleander seeds are distributed in the area with the help of the wind. However, you remove the seeds from the pods and proceed as follows:

• Soak the seeds in lukewarm water overnight.
• Then sow them in a shallow seed tray with fresh, nutrient-poor Growing substrate.(€ 12.99 at Amazon *)
• A substrate based on coconut fibers is ideal for this purpose.
• Moisten the seeds and substrate
• and keep both moist for the next few weeks.
• Cover the bowl with cling film to increase the humidity.
• Place the seed tray in a light and warm place.

If everything goes well, the seeds will germinate within a few weeks.