How to Pollinate Corn poppy

(Papaver rhoeas)

Corn poppy, also known as Field poppy, Red poppy, Cornfield poppy

Corn poppy's pollination is a true spectacle, with buzzing bees serving as its primary pollinators. With a fondness for corn poppy's vibrant colors and delectable nectar, bees effectively transfer pollen, enabling successful pollination. The timing aligns with bee activity hours, further ensuring this productive interaction and continuing the life cycle of this captivating plant. Nature truly is a wondrous thing!

Which Pollinators are Suitable for Corn Poppy?

Bloom Time

Summer

Primary pollinators

Bees

Potential pollinators

Beetles, Butterflies

How Does Pollination Occur in Corn Poppy?

Corn poppy's flowers are single, with four vivid red petals arranged in a cross-like pattern. They contain a dark, blackish, central part chock-full of anthers. These flowers display a showy and radiant color that plays a significant role in attracting pollinators.

Corn poppy primarily reproduces via cross-pollination facilitated by wind or insects who transfer pollen from the anthers to the pistil of another flower.

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How Can You Enhance the Pollination of Corn Poppy?

Plant Variety

Plant other types of native flowering plants that are known to attract bees, butterflies, and beetles. For bees, plants like lavender, sage, or sunflowers are excellent choices. For butterflies and beetles, consider planting marigolds, mint or yarrow. These plants would provide additional nectar and pollen sources thereby attracting more of these pollinators.

Pesticide Reduction

Reduce or avoid the use of harmful pesticides and insecticides, as these can have a detrimental effect on the pollinators. The chemicals can decrease the population of beetles, butterflies, and bees, which are necessary for successful pollination. Consider using natural or organic methods of pest control, or adopting integrated pest management strategies.

Water Source

Create a small, shallow water source for the pollinators. Bees, beetles and butterflies all need water not only for hydration but also to help in their digestion and cooling. Consider installing a birdbath or a shallow dish water source, with some pebbles or marbles for the insects to land on.

Habitat Provision

Provide habitats that are favorable for bees, beetles, and butterflies for nesting and breeding. For bees, this could be as simple as leaving a patch of garden unmulched for ground-nesting species. For butterflies, you can create a pile of stones for them to hide in. Beetles often reside under logs or in the mulch, so consider leaving an area undisturbed for them.

How Can You Determine if Corn Poppy has Been Pollinated?

Flower Anthers

Anthers in corn poppy's flowers turn dark and shrivel up once pollination is successful. Post-pollination, the plant reallocates resources from anthers.

Fruit Development

One sure way to identify successful pollination in corn poppy is the development of fruit. The seed pods swell post-pollination, a clear indication of fruit development.

Seed Development

In corn poppy, the development of seeds also signifies successful pollination. If the seeds within the pod are well-formed and brown, pollination has occurred.

Understanding Hand-Pollination in Corn Poppy

Difficulty

Normal

Duration

30 mins

What Tools are Necessary for Hand-Pollinating Corn Poppy?

Small Brush

A small, soft brush can be used to transfer pollen from the anther of corn poppy to its stigma.

Tweezers

Used to help gently open the corn poppy's petals without causing harm.

Spray Bottle

This can be used to mist the plant prior to pollination to mimic natural dew and stimulate the opening or receptivity of the stigma.

What is the Optimal Time for Hand-Pollinating Corn Poppy?

The best time to hand-pollinate corn poppy is early in the morning when the flowers just open. This is also the optimal time in the plant's growth cycle as this is when the plant is most receptive to pollination.

Steps to Hand-Pollinate Corn Poppy

Step1: Preparation

Ensure that your tools are clean and that you are working in a calm environment to avoid damaging the corn poppy.

Step2: Moistening

Lightly mist the corn poppy with a spray bottle. This will stimulate the flower's natural pollination response.

Step3: Opening the Petals

Gently use a pair of tweezers to open the petals of the corn poppy if they are not already open.

Step4: Pollen Transfer

Using a small brush, gently collect pollen grains from the anther (male part of the flower) of the corn poppy. Then carefully brush the pollen onto the stigma (female part of the flower).

Step5: Repetition

Repeat this process with all flowers on the corn poppy plant to ensure maximum pollination.

Why Aren't There Fruits on Corn Poppy Despite the Presence of Flowers?

Low Pollinator Activity

Enhance pollinator visits by introducing pollinator-friendly plants within the vicinity of corn poppy. Bees and butterflies are common pollinators of corn poppy.

Pollination Timing

Pollination should occur when flowers are fully open. So, make sure to introduce pollinators or manually pollinate during that period to ensure successful corn poppy pollination.

Poor Weather Conditions

Adverse weather conditions can inhibit pollination. Use protective covers to shield corn poppy plants during high winds or heavy rains, which can deter pollinators.