Cross Pollination: A Guide for Gardeners
Cross pollination is the transfer of pollen from one flower to another flower of a different variety or species. This can be a problem for gardeners who want to save the seeds of their vegetables or flowers from year to year, as cross pollination can result in the loss of desired traits.
How to Control Cross Pollination
There are a few things you can do to control cross pollination in your garden:
- Grow only one variety of a species. This is the most effective way to prevent cross pollination, as there will be no other pollen sources for the plants to cross with.
- Plant self-pollinating plants. Self-pollinating plants have flowers that are designed to pollinate themselves, so they are less likely to cross-pollinate with other plants. Some examples of self-pollinating plants include beans, peas, lettuce, peppers, tomatoes, and eggplant.
- Plant wind-pollinated or insect-pollinated plants far apart. Wind-pollinated and insect-pollinated plants require pollen from other plants to produce seeds. If you plant these types of plants far apart, it will be less likely that they will cross-pollinate. Some examples of wind-pollinated plants include corn, onions, and grasses. Some examples of insect-pollinated plants include cucumbers, squash, and melons.
- Hand-pollinate flowers. Hand-pollination is a method of transferring pollen from one flower to another using a small paintbrush or cotton swab. This is a good option for plants that are not self-pollinating or that are difficult to pollinate by wind or insects.
Preventing Cross Pollination in Self-Pollinating Plants
Even though self-pollinating plants are less likely to cross-pollinate than other types of plants, it is still possible for it to happen. To prevent cross pollination in self-pollinating plants, you can:
- Plant different varieties of the same species at least 10 feet apart. This will help to reduce the chances of pollen from one variety being transferred to another variety.
- Cover the flowers of one variety with a paper bag or cloth. This will prevent insects from accessing the flowers and transferring pollen.
Preventing Cross Pollination in Wind-Pollinated or Insect-Pollinated Plants
Preventing cross pollination in wind-pollinated or insect-pollinated plants is more difficult than preventing cross pollination in self-pollinating plants. However, there are a few things you can do to reduce the chances of cross pollination:
- Plant different varieties of the same species at least 100 yards apart. This will help to reduce the chances of pollen from one variety being transferred to another variety by wind or insects.
- Plant windbreaks or insect barriers around your garden. This will help to block wind and insects from carrying pollen from one plant to another.
- Hand-pollinate flowers. Hand-pollination is a good option for wind-pollinated or insect-pollinated plants that are difficult to pollinate by natural means.
Conclusion
Cross pollination can be a problem for gardeners who want to save the seeds of their vegetables or flowers from year to year. However, there are a number of things you can do to control cross pollination and ensure that you are getting the seeds you want. By following the tips in this article, you can prevent cross pollination and enjoy the fruits of your labor in the garden.
