Hand Pollination

Question

Hi after hand pollinating with a brush, how would I clean the brush in case I contaminate the next flower I hand pollinate? Would just running it over warm water actually remove all the old pollen? Thanks

Answer 1

Don't wet the brush. That will cause the pollen to stick almost permanently to it.

There is no need to be concerned with pollen contamination, unless you know that the flower you have brushed is infected with a disease. Usually, if this is the case, it won't flower anyway.

If a plant requires hand pollination in order to fruit, then chances are you DO want cross pollination to occur, so washing it between flowers is going to be a bad idea.

If you are worried about creating some kind of mutant... Don't. That's quite impossible. All species on this planet come with genetic "safeguards" that will prevent them from reproducing out of species.

There is no harm in pollinating all flowers in your area with the same brush. I've had the same soft-bristled brush for years! You can carry on with one brush if you really like it, and just brush it out with your fingers once you are done.