How to Pollinate Garden nasturtium

(Tropaeolum majus)

Garden nasturtium, also known as Climbing nasturtium, Monks cress

Garden nasturtium is a bee magnet, drawing these critical pollinators through vivid blossoms teeming with nectar and pollen. Its unique splashy appearance serves as a pollinator attractant, facilitating an utterly natural pollination process. The bees' activity across the bright, circular flowers sets off garden nasturtium's ingenious pollination mechanism - precise contact between pollinator and stamen. The optimal pollination timing is daylight hours, when bees are most active.

Which Pollinators are Suitable for Garden Nasturtium?

Bloom Time

Mid spring, Late spring, Summer, Early fall, Mid fall

Primary pollinators

Bees

Potential pollinators

Butterflies, Beetles

How Does Pollination Occur in Garden Nasturtium?

The garden nasturtium blossoms with conspicuous, vibrant flowers which feature a funnel-like shape with a long, nectar-filled spur. The large petals aid in attracting pollinators while the spur acts as a nectar guide.

Garden nasturtium largely relies on cross-pollination, facilitated by insects visiting for its abundant nectar. Self-pollination can occur, but it is less frequent.

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How Can You Enhance the Pollination of Garden Nasturtium?

Planting Diversity

Consider planting a diversity of flowering plants that bloom consistently throughout the growing season. Having a variety of different shapes, sizes and colors of flowers can attract a wider array of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and beetles.

Water Source

Provide a shallow water source in your garden or farm. Bees, butterflies, and beetles need water for drinking. Place small stones or marbles into the shallow water source as a landing place for small pollinators.

Reduce Pesticide Use

Reduce or avoid using pesticides in the garden or farm, especially during the flowering season. Pesticides can harm or kill pollinators like bees, butterflies, and beetles. If pests are a problem, consider using organic pest-control methods.

Create Habitats

Creating habitats like small piles of stones, logs, or leaving some areas of the garden undisturbed can provide shelter for pollinators like bees and beetles. These habitats can also serve as places for pollinators to lay eggs and for larvae to develop.

How Can You Determine if Garden Nasturtium has Been Pollinated?

Flower Discoloration

After successful pollination in garden nasturtium, the vibrant red, yellow or orange petals begin to fade and drop off, indicating the transition to fruit bearing.

Seed Pod Development

Look for swelling at the base of the flower in garden nasturtium which develops into a green seed pod post successful pollination. It later ripens to a browny black.

Pollinator Presence

Observing bees, hummingbirds or butterflies around garden nasturtium is a good indicator of active pollination, as they are its primary pollinators.

Understanding Hand-Pollination in Garden Nasturtium

Difficulty

Normal

Duration

30 - 60 mins

What Tools are Necessary for Hand-Pollinating Garden Nasturtium?

Paintbrush

A small, soft paintbrush will be used to collect and transfer pollen.

Gloves

Gloves should be worn to protect the hands and prevent contaminating the pollen.

Bamboo skewer

A bamboo skewer or similar tool could be used to gently hold open the petals without damaging the flower.

What is the Optimal Time for Hand-Pollinating Garden Nasturtium?

The best time to perform hand-pollination on garden nasturtium is during the morning hours when the flowers are freshly opened. As for the growth cycle, it is best done when the plant is actively flowering which usually happens during the warmer months.

Steps to Hand-Pollinate Garden Nasturtium

Step1: Preparation

Start by wearing the gloves. Choose a healthy looking flower and carefully open its petals using the bamboo skewer. Be gentle to not damage the flower.

Step2: Collecting Pollen

Use the paintbrush to collect the pollen from within the flower. The pollen is usually found on the tall structure in the center of the flower referred to as the 'stamen'. Gently brush the end of the stamen with the paintbrush to collect pollen onto the bristles.

Step3: Transferring Pollen

Once the pollen is collected, gently brush it onto the stigma of the same flower or another flower (central part of the flower that receives pollen). This step completes the pollination process.

Step4: Repeat

Repeat this process with other flowers on garden nasturtium plant till you have pollinated as many flowers as desired.

Step5: Clean Up

After completing the process, clean the tools used during the hand-pollination to prevent any potential cross-contamination with other plants.

Why Aren't There Fruits on Garden Nasturtium Despite the Presence of Flowers?

Low Pollinator Visits

If garden nasturtium receives inadequate pollinator visits, consider adding plants that attract pollinators or try hand pollination using a soft brush to transfer pollen.

Unfavorable Weather

Windy, rainy, or cold conditions can hamper pollination. Provide a windbreak or plant garden nasturtium in a protected area and ensure it gets adequate warmth.

Poor Flowering

If garden nasturtium isn't flowering profusely, it might be due to over-fertilization. Consider reducing the use of high-nitrogen fertilizers that promote leafy growth over flowering.