How to Pollinate Edging lobelia

(Lobelia erinus)

Edging lobelia, also known as Garden lobelia, Sapphire lobelia

Edging lobelia relies on bees as its primary pollinators, thanks to an array of attractants like vibrant colors, rich nectar, and inviting aroma. This sophisticated pollination system works in perfect harmony, and bees are ingeniously lured to the anthers and stigma, facilitating successful pollen transfer. Timed to perfection, pollination occurs predominantly during the warm daylight hours when bees are most active.

Which Pollinators are Suitable for Edging Lobelia?

Bloom Time

Late spring, Summer, Fall

Primary pollinators

Bees

Potential pollinators

Beetles, Butterflies

How Does Pollination Occur in Edging Lobelia?

Edging lobelia produces brightly colored, tubular flowers with five lobes. Each flower contains stamens and a pistil concealed within the tube. This structure facilitates specific interactions with pollinators.

Pollination in edging lobelia occurs when a pollinator interacts with the hidden reproductive organs during nectar collection, facilitating cross-pollination. Limited self-pollination can also occur.

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How Can You Enhance the Pollination of Edging Lobelia?

Plant Choices

Bees, beetles, and butterflies are attracted to diverse gardens. Consider planting a variety of flowering plants alongside Lobelia erinus, particularly plants with bright colours and strong, sweet odours. These can attract and maintain pollinators in your garden or farm.

Water Source

Provide a shallow water source for these pollinators as they often need to drink. A bird bath or a shallow dish with a few pebbles that project out of the water can make an excellent watering station for bees, beetles, and butterflies.

Pesticide Reduction

Reduce the use of pesticides in your garden or farm area as much as possible. Pesticides can kill or deter insects, including beneficial pollinators such as bees, beetles, and butterflies. If pests become a problem, consider using natural or organic alternatives that won't harm pollinators.

Habitat Creation

Create nesting habitats for bees and beetles. This can be in the form of undisturbed ground for ground-nesting bees and beetles, and dead wood or hollow stems for those species that prefer these habitats. Butterflies often require specific host plants for their larvae, so incorporating these into your garden or farm can additionally support butterfly populations.

How Can You Determine if Edging Lobelia has Been Pollinated?

Pollen Transfer

If edging lobelia's tiny pollen grains have been transferred to the pistil (female part of the flower), it indicates successful pollination.

Fruit Formation

Following pollination, edging lobelia starts to form capsules, a type of fruit. If you notice this, the plant has likely been pollinated.

Flower Drop

After successful pollination, edging lobelia often loses its blossoms. Therefore, fall of flowers could indicate a successful pollination event.

Understanding Hand-Pollination in Edging Lobelia

Difficulty

Normal

Duration

30 mins

What Tools are Necessary for Hand-Pollinating Edging Lobelia?

Small Brush

A small, soft brush is used to gently collect pollen from the anthers of a flower.

Magnifying Glass

Magnifying glass can be useful to clearly see the small parts of the flower, especially the stigma.

Tweezers

Tweezers can be used to handle the petals without damaging them, if necessary.

What is the Optimal Time for Hand-Pollinating Edging Lobelia?

Hand-pollination of edging lobelia is best done in the morning when the flowers first open. As for the growth cycle, this should be done when the plant is in its flowering stage, which is typically during the summer months.

Steps to Hand-Pollinate Edging Lobelia

Step1: Collecting Pollen

Use the small brush to gently collect pollen from the anthers (male part) of a flower. Make sure you have a good amount of pollen grains on the brush.

Step2: Applying Pollen

Carefully apply the collected pollen to the stigma (female part) of another flower. You should see some of the pollen sticking to it.

Step3: Repeat Process

Continue this process with other flowers. Remember it's best to pollinate multiple flowers to increase the chances of successful pollination.

Step4: Checking Success

Check back after a few days to identify if the pollination was successful. If it was, the base of the flower (ovary) should start enlarging, signaling the formation of seeds.

Why Aren't There Fruits on Edging Lobelia Despite the Presence of Flowers?

Poor Pollination

In case of poor pollination, consider hand-pollinating edging lobelia. Use a small brush or cotton swab to transfer pollen from the male to the female parts.

Low Pollinator Activity

If there are few pollinators, increase these by planting pollinator-friendly plants nearby or provide shelters for insects like bees.

Unfavorable Conditions

Ensure edging lobelia has the right conditions -- enough sunlight, water and nutrients. Unfavorable conditions could lead to unsuccessful pollination.