We are expecting heavy rain over the next two days. I have a number of Crested Moss blooms that I want to gather pollen from, but I think they may be immature. CM offers little pollen and I don’t want to miss the chance to get what I can. If I wait these blooms may ball and mold. Or I could wait until Friday when that thing called the Sun is supposed to reappear. What would you do with these blooms? I included a link to a picture of the bloom.
That bloom in the picture looks like it could be ready to take pollen from. But if you are doubtful of that you could cut it with a little bit of stem and put it in a vase with water for a day or two.
Good luck!
I’ll second Jeanie’s suggestions! Couldn’t have said it better myself.
Pinch the bloom. If it feels hollow then collect the pollen now. Otherwise, stick a baggie over it and wait until it no longer feels hard.
Thanks Guys:
I gathered up three blooms and managed to gather some anthers. I’ve got it drying now. Thanks for the advice. I just hope it takes. I plan on putting it on Cal Poly because I’m shooting for a crested yellow mini. I’m hoping this is the first step in what I see as a years long effort.
Ideally, those blooms ought to be a wee bit more developed than that to gather pollen from, but as others have suggested, you can always “bag em” for a day or two to allow them to mature more. I can gather pollen from my plant here as well if you want more. It is a mature plant and generally produces quite a bit.
Paul:
Let me see how things go with this blasted rain. Right now I have a couple of bushes that have blooms, but I’m a little concerned about them balling and molding.
My wife thinks I’m grazy running around with a pocket full of plastic bags and putting them on the roses. I think she’s beginning to get the idea I’m serious about this hobby.