How to Pollinate Scarlet beebalm

(Monarda didyma)

Scarlet beebalm, also known as Oswego tea, Scarlet monarda

Scarlet beebalm employs entomophily for pollination, primarily attracting bees and hummingbirds with its vibrant scarlet blooms and rich nectar stores. The plant's intricate bloom system requires the pollinator to touch a lever, releasing the pollen on the visitor, fostering indirect pollination. Flowering in the blazing summer months also aligns perfectly with the active seasons of these pollinators, ensuring a successful pollination process.

Which Pollinators are Suitable for Scarlet Beebalm?

Bloom Time

Summer, Fall

Primary pollinators

Bees, Hummingbirds

Potential pollinators

Butterflies

How Does Pollination Occur in Scarlet Beebalm?

Scarlet beebalm's flowers are tubular, bright red and clustered, providing a generous amount of nectar. The floral design caters to the long tongues of certain pollinators, offering them a nectar reward. It usually blooms in mid to late summer.

In scarlet beebalm, cross-pollination primarily occurs when pollinators access the nectar, brushing against the reproductive organs and transferring pollen.

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How Can You Enhance the Pollination of Scarlet Beebalm?

Diverse Planting

Incorporate a variety of flowering plants that bloom at different times to ensure continuous sources of nectar and pollen for bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies. For instance, plants like sunflowers, cosmos, native honeysuckles, and salvias can be great additions.

Water Sources

Install shallow water features or bird baths in your garden. Hummingbirds, in particular, need fresh water for drinking and bathing. Also, bees and butterflies are attracted to damp places and need water for survival.

Pesticide Management

Avoid using pesticides, especially during flowering, as they can harm all pollinators. Consider using organic or integrated pest management strategies to control pests without causing harm to beneficial insects.

Shelter

Provide natural shelters, such as trees, shrubs, or even handmade insect hotels. These shelters provide safe places for bees and butterflies to nest and for hummingbirds to rest between feedings.

How Can You Determine if Scarlet Beebalm has Been Pollinated?

Nectar Depletion

When scarlet beebalm's flowers are pollinated, nectar will decrease or might be absent so frequent visits of pollinators like bees and hummingbirds is a good sign.

Pollen Disappearance

In a successfully pollinated scarlet beebalm flower, the readily visible pollen on the anthers will be less evident as it's transferred to pollinators.

Flower color change

Successfully pollinated scarlet beebalm may start turning a darker hue or dry out, signaling fertilization.

Understanding Hand-Pollination in Scarlet Beebalm

Difficulty

Normal

Duration

30 mins

What Tools are Necessary for Hand-Pollinating Scarlet Beebalm?

Small Brush

A small, soft brush is used for transferring pollen.

Gloves

Protective gloves are recommended to avoid any possible allergies or irritation from the plant.

Tweezers

Used to handle small parts of the plant if required.

What is the Optimal Time for Hand-Pollinating Scarlet Beebalm?

Hand-pollination for scarlet beebalm should be performed in the morning hours when the flower is fully open. Early summer is the best time in the plant's growth cycle to attempt hand-pollination, after it has bloomed.

Steps to Hand-Pollinate Scarlet Beebalm

Step1: Preparation

Before you start, make sure you are equipped with your small brush, gloves, and tweezers. Ensure the scarlet beebalm plant is healthy and has open flowers ready for pollination.

Step2: Collecting Pollen

Using the small brush, carefully gather pollen from the stamens of one of scarlet beebalm's flowers. The pollen should stick to the brush easily.

Step3: Transferring Pollen

Carefully transfer the pollen collected on the brush to the stigma of the same flower or another. Make sure the pollen grains get in contact with the stigma for successful pollination.

Step4: Repeat

Repeat the transfer process for all available scarlet beebalm flowers ensuring each has been pollinated.

Step5: Keep Monitoring

Keep monitoring the plant for signs of successful pollination over the next few days. This could be growth of fruit or seed pods.

Why Aren't There Fruits on Scarlet Beebalm Despite the Presence of Flowers?

Low Pollinator Activity

If pollinators aren't visiting scarlet beebalm, try planting more brightly colored flowers nearby to attract them, or consider adding a water source.

Pollen Shortage

If there's not enough pollen, persisting damp weather might be the cause. Protect scarlet beebalm from heavy rain and consider hand-pollination if needed.

Poor Fertilization

If color change doesn't occur in scarlet beebalm despite pollinator visits, environmental stress could be a factor. Ensure the plant is getting enough water and sunlight.