Watermelon Artificial Pollination
An introduction to the knowledge of watermelon and other fruits and vegetables, focusing on watermelon artificial pollination. Next, the editor will introduce this topic to netizens.
Many flower enthusiasts have the idea of growing watermelon in pots, so they need to understand watermelon artificial pollination. Although pollinating watermelon is not difficult, for non-professional growers, it is necessary to start by identifying the male and female flowers of watermelon.
Watermelons usually come into the market in June and July. Although it is late to plant watermelon at this time, for those who do not pursue high yields, it is fine to grow watermelon from saved seeds in pots, and they can also harvest watermelons!
1. Identifying Male and Female Flowers in Watermelon Pollination
Watermelon is a monoecious plant, meaning a flower is either male or female. Pollination is usually done by insects (in the case of balcony potted plants, we generally perform artificial pollination). Flowers open in the morning and close in the afternoon. It is easy to distinguish between male and female flowers of watermelon; female flowers have young fruit, while male flowers do not.
The following picture is of a watermelon male flower (the peduncle of the male flower is 3-4 cm long, densely covered with yellowish-brown pubescence).
The following picture is of a watermelon female flower (female flowers have young fruit).
2. The Practical Aspects of Watermelon Pollination
Gently lift the female flower's peduncle to expose the stigma, then select a male flower that opened on the same day, pick it up along with the peduncle, turn the petals outward or remove them to expose the stamens, and gently apply the pollen to the stigma of the female flower, ensuring the pollen is evenly distributed. Generally, one male flower can pollinate 2 to 4 female flowers. You can also collect the pollen in a clean container (such as a Petri dish or a teacup), mix it, then use a soft-bristled brush or a small brush to pick up the pollen, aim it at the stigma of the female flower, and gently apply it a few times until yellow pollen is clearly seen on the stigma.
The best time for watermelon pollination is on a sunny day, specifically between 8 to 10 am when the stigma of the female flower and the pollen of the male flower are at their peak physiological activity, making it the best time for artificial pollination.
The above information on watermelon artificial pollination (starting from distinguishing between male and female flowers) is hoped to be of help to you. Don't forget to check out more flower cultivation experience and common knowledge!