Pollen Collecting

[Piper]

Hey guys,

Brian Monk would like some pollen from my Odm. Margaret Holm 'Alpine.' I haven't collected pollen before and was wondering what I should do with the pollina? Does it need to be kept sterile? Or can I just toss it into a baggie and stick it in an envelope to mail?

Thanks,
Julie

[ATester]

Hey guys,

Brian Monk would like some pollen from my Odm. Margaret Holm 'Alpine.' I haven't collected pollen before and was wondering what I should do with the pollina? Does it need to be kept sterile? Or can I just toss it into a baggie and stick it in an envelope to mail?

Thanks,
Julie

Well, I don't know about the mailing of it part, but when I collect it, I make little envelopes out of rice paper (the kind in art supply stores). If moisture is a real concern, I use one of those little packets of sodium silicate to keep things fairly dry. I don't know if sterile conditions are necessarily a requirement, I guess though the introduction of mildews and molds could become an issue, especially in something like a zip lock bag, but I could be wrong.

[Piper]

Thanks! Rice paper, or something along those lines makes sense. Thanks, ATester!

Julie

[Brian Monk]

Julie,

I use wax paper, and make jeweler's envelopes by folding them into thirds both length - and cross-wise. You don't even have to tape them shut. I store tem in my 'fridge in plastic zip-locks. I haven't had a mold issue (yet....knock wood).

Mailing the pollen should be as simple as putting it into an envelope.

And THANK YOU for the pollen!!!!

Brian Monk, DVM
Ft.Lauderdale, FL

[Piper]

Hi Brian,

Yea, waxed paper was what I was thinking! Is there a best time to collect the pollen? Should I wait till the little caps fall off the pollinia, or should I remove them myself?

Julie

[Brian Monk]

I remove the pollen at any time. I don't wait, but you can arves pollen from almost dead flowers.

Brian

[Piper]

Ok - They're all still good and healthy and most have their radiator caps in place.

Are you willing to share what you'll be crossing this with, or is it a secret?

(As in, if you told me, you'd then have to kill me...of course you should wait till you receive the pollen...)

Julie

[Brutal_Dreamer]

Hey Julie, just remember that once you take the pollen, that bloom will die away rather fast. We have taken pollen and stuck it in on a toothpick in those tiny zip bags and people have been successful with it. Hope Brian makes something cool with your donation!

Cheers!
BD

[Piper]

Thanks, BD!

That was just the info I sought! I'd rather not croak those lovely blooms till they're about ready to on their own.

Julie

[Brian Monk]

E be honest, I don't know what I'm going to cross it with yet...LOL! But the plant is vigorous enough to be used as a pot-plant, and it seems to be a reliable and abundant blooer with striking floral presentation and floriferousness. Not to mention it's really pretty!! I'd like to mix it with Brassia or a Brazilian Miltonia, to increase it's warmth-tolerance.

Brian