Question

flower   Hello Sarracenia Northwest,

Yesterday I tried to collect pollen from my S. x moorei Adrian Slack. The umbrella of the flower was no more in horizontal position, but was already a bit tilted upwards. I wonder if it wasn't too late to collect the pollen? The pollen are now stored in the fridge for later use (otherwise I'll throw it away).

Many thanks,
Joachim (Belgium)

Answer
Hi Joachim,

It's not too late to collect the pollen.  I'm not sure, however, how long Sarracenia pollen is viable, and if that varies from plant to plant.  Last year I collected some pollen from an S. purpurea var. montana, stored it in wax paper in the refrigerator for a month and a half, then used it to pollinate some S. psittacina when they came into bloom.  I got no seeds, and that was after pollinating daily from the time the flower opened until petal fall.  I would say to use your pollen as soon as you can.

Good Growing!

Jeff Dallas
Sarracenia Northwest
http://www.growcarnivorousplants.com