How to Pollinate Creeping thistle

(Cirsium arvense)

Creeping thistle, also known as Field thistle

The captivating creeping thistle flourishes through enthralling pollination tactics. Its primary pollinators - bees & butterflies, are allured by its vibrant colors and succulent nectar. Leveraging an efficient self-pollination method, the plant ensures its survival even without its winged couriers. Remarkably, the creeping thistle times its pollination perfectly to align with the pollinators’ active hours, creating an enchanting spectacle of nature at its best.

Which Pollinators are Suitable for Creeping Thistle?

Bloom Time

Mid summer, Late summer, Early fall

Primary pollinators

Bees, Butterflies

Potential pollinators

Beetles, Moths

How Does Pollination Occur in Creeping Thistle?

Creeping thistle produces clustered, bright purple flowers, with a tubular shape, making it suitable for long-tongued insects. Each flower head is a composite of many small flowers, each producing abundant nectar and pollen as resources for pollinators.

Pollination of creeping thistle occurs through cross-pollination, with pollen transferred from the male anther of one flower to the female stigma of another. Self-pollination is uncommon.

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How Can You Enhance the Pollination of Creeping Thistle?

Plant Diversity

Increase the quantity and diversity of nectar-rich flowers in your garden. Be sure to include both early and late-blooming varieties to provide food for the pollinators throughout the season. Bees and butterflies, the primary pollinators, are attracted to a wide range of flowers, especially those that are brightly colored like yellows and purples.

Water Source

Provide a shallow water source in your garden for the pollinators. Butterflies and bees need water not only to drink but also to help in their reproduction process. A shallow birdbath with rocks or a muddy patch can be suitable for this.

Pesticides

Minimize or entirely avoid the use of synthetic pesticides. These chemicals can be harmful to all pollinators. If pest control is necessary, consider using organic or integrated pest management strategies that pose less risk to pollinators.

Habitats

Create or preserve natural habitats like hedgerows, hollow trees, and leaf piles that can provide nesting and resting sites for pollinators like bees and beetles. Moths also benefit from patches of long grass where they can lay eggs and where their caterpillars can feed.

How Can You Determine if Creeping Thistle has Been Pollinated?

Flower Blooming

Creeping thistle's blooms tend to open during the day, attracting pollinators. Successful pollination often leads to more vibrant, full blooms.

Seeds Formation

After successful pollination, creeping thistle will start producing thistle seeds. These seeds spread with the wind indicating the plant has been successfully pollinated.

Understanding Hand-Pollination in Creeping Thistle

Difficulty

Normal

Duration

60 mins

What Tools are Necessary for Hand-Pollinating Creeping Thistle?

Small Brush

A small, soft brush is required to carefully transfer the pollen from the male flower to the female flower.

Gloves

Gloves are needed to avoid any irritation from the thistles of the plant, creeping thistle.

Paper Bags

Small paper bags are necessary to cover the pollinated flowers to prevent natural pollination by insects.

What is the Optimal Time for Hand-Pollinating Creeping Thistle?

The best time to perform hand pollination on creeping thistle is in the morning hours between 7 to 10 am when the pollen is most viable. It's important to conduct this process during its flowering period, which typically occurs from July to September.

Steps to Hand-Pollinate Creeping Thistle

Step1: Prepare Model Plant

Identify a healthy creeping thistle plant that has blooming flowers. Wear gloves and prepare your soft brush.

Step2: Collecting Pollen

Select a male flower which is fully bloomed. Gently brush the anthers of the male flower to collect the pollen on the brush bristles.

Step3: Transferring Pollen

Next, apply the pollen directly to the stigma of the female flower on another plant using the same brush.

Step4: Securing the Flower

To prevent natural pollination by insects, cover the hand-pollinated flower with a small paper bag, which will still allow for air circulation.

Step5: Monitor Progress

Monitor the flowers regularly for the development of fruits which signals successful pollination.

Why Aren't There Fruits on Creeping Thistle Despite the Presence of Flowers?

Poor Pollination Signs

If creeping thistle's flowers fade without forming seeds, it might be due to poor pollination. Encouraging more pollinators like bees or butterflies to the garden can help.

Unattractive to Pollinators

If creeping thistle is not attracting pollinators, make sure the plant is healthy and has enough sunlight. Sometimes, combining with other pollinator-friendly plants can increase its attractiveness.