How to Pollinate Creeping jenny

(Lysimachia nummularia)

Creeping jenny, also known as Two penny grass, Running jenny

Admirers of creeping jenny often appreciate not just its lush green carpet, but also its profusion of golden flowers. These flowers are a magnet for our buzzing friends, the bees, who oblige as primary pollinators. Adopting an enticing allure with vibrant colors and tempting scents, creeping jenny captivates these pollinators, facilitating a smooth pollination mechanism throughout the day, especially during morning hours.

Which Pollinators are Suitable for Creeping Jenny?

Bloom Time

Mid spring, Late spring, Early summer, Mid summer

Primary pollinators

Bees

Potential pollinators

Beetles, Flies

How Does Pollination Occur in Creeping Jenny?

Creeping jenny has bright yellow cup-shaped flowers. These flowers open at the beginning of summer and stay in bloom for several weeks. The petals are arranged around a central disk which contains the plant's reproductive organs.

In creeping jenny, cross-pollination predominantly occurs through insect activity. The plant can also self-pollinate in the absence of insects.

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How Can You Enhance the Pollination of Creeping Jenny?

Plant Diversity

Introduce a variety of flowering plants in the garden or farm. Diversity in flower color, size, and shape can attract a broader range of bees, beetles, and flies. Ensure these plants bloom at different times to provide a consistent food source.

Natural Habitats

Create or maintain habitats for bees, beetles, and flies. This could include leaving patches of bare ground for ground-nesting bees or maintaining piles of leaves or brush for beetles and flies. Providing nesting sites can enhance the population of these pollinators, thus improving pollination.

Water Source

Provide a reliable water source. Pollinators like bees and flies need water for survival. A shallow bird bath or a small dish filled with water and a few rocks for perching can serve this purpose.

Pesticides

Minimize or avoid the use of pesticides, especially during the flowering season, as they can harm pollinators. If necessary, use organic or less harmful alternatives and apply them at night when bees, beetles, and flies are less active.

How Can You Determine if Creeping Jenny has Been Pollinated?

Flower Formation

In creeping jenny, successful pollination often results in the formation of new flowers. If you notice a growth of fresh blooms, it implies that pollination has taken place.

Seed Development

Another key sign of successful pollination is seed development. After pollination, seeds begin to form inside the ovules of creeping jenny.

Visible Pollen

You can also identify successful pollination in creeping jenny by noticeable pollen sticking to bees, butterflies, or other pollinators visiting the plant.

Understanding Hand-Pollination in Creeping Jenny

Difficulty

Easy

Duration

30 mins

What Tools are Necessary for Hand-Pollinating Creeping Jenny?

Small Brush

This will be used to pick up the pollen from the male flower and transfer it to the female flower.

Cotton Swabs

These can act as an alternate to the small brush, it can also be used to pick up and transfer pollen.

Clear Container

This is to put collected pollen if you are not applying it immediately.

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

Hand-pollination of creeping jenny should be done in the morning hours and usually, mid-spring or early summer is the best time when the flowers have just opened and are most receptive.

Steps to Hand-Pollinate Creeping Jenny

Step1: Identifying Ready Flowers

Locate creeping jenny flowers that are fully bloomed. You’ll see the pollen is a powdery substance located inside the flower.

Step2: Collecting Pollen

Gently collect the pollen using a small brush or cotton swab. You will see yellow dust-like particles on the brush or swab. Collect as much pollen as you can. You can choose to use it immediately or save it in a clear container for later use.

Step3: Applying Pollen

Locate the stigma in the center of the other creeping jenny flowers. It usually sticks out and may appear sticky. Gently dab the small brush or swab with pollen onto the stigma. Be gentle not to damage the flower.

Step4: Repeating Process

Repeat the process, if you have more flowers. Always use fresh pollen for each flower.

Step5: After Care

Once pollen has been applied, it's a waiting game. Check the plant everyday, you should start seeing growth within a couple of weeks if the process was successful.

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

Poor Pollinator Attraction

If creeping jenny is not getting adequate pollination, ensure it's placed in a location accessible to pollinators. Also, supplement with plants that attract pollinators.

Low Seed Formation

Poor seed formation might signify unsuccessful pollination. Hand-pollinating creeping jenny might be needed if natural pollinators are absent or scarce.

Climate Factors

Cold or overly wet conditions can inhibit pollination. Plant creeping jenny in a sheltered location to protect from extreme weather and ensure higher chances of pollination.