Making pollination of lemon trees more intentional, by hand-pollinating, requires the identification of both a male and female flower. All lemons have both male and female flowers, but it can be tricky to identify them. A male flower has a column in the center, much like a tulip, which may or may not be visible. The female flower is more obvious since it holds the ovary, a tiny green nub that will eventually form the fruit. Once both types of flowers have been identified, the pollination can begin.
When the flowers open, gently rub or flick the male flower column to release the pollen. Then, take a small, soft, paintbrush and gently brush the pollen onto the center of the female flower. Do this the same day the flowers open and again in two or three days to make sure enough pollen is deposited. After hand-pollinating the female flower, tiny green fruits should be visible within two or three weeks.
If the flowers close after hand-pollination, rather than opening, that means that the pollen did not reach the femal’s ovary. If that happens, re-pollinate when the flowers open again the next day. The possibility of the flowers not opening again is greater in the summer, when conditions of high heat can cause premature flower drop.
Pollinating lemon trees regularly by hand will yield fruit more efficiently since it does not depend on the availability of any other pollinators. If hand-pollination is routinely done, it will also be easier to know when to start harvesting the fruit since you can follow its growth more closely.
When hand-pollinating a lemon tree, keep in mind that it is better to do it in the morning before the temperature rises and insects start to pollinate. Also, although this is not necessary, it is desirable to feed the pollinated flowers a mild liquid fertilizer with micronutrients to encourage healthy fruit development.
More About Pollinated Trees
Pollinated trees, such as lemon trees, require the transfer of male pollen to the female flower to properly reproduce. While some lemon trees may receive enough pollen naturally in the environment, it tends to be inconsistent and unreliable. Additionally, pollen can be transferred to the female flower by wind, bees, or by hand, either by brushing the anthers directly or by using a paintbrush. Hand pollination offers more control and ensures that the female flower has been properly pollinated and is likely to yield fruit.
Other Forms of Pollination
In addition to hand pollinating, there are other ways to pollinate lemon trees. Mechanical pollination, for example, is a form of hand-pollinating using a machine that a person controls to brush pollen on flowers. This is mostly used for commercial applications since it is a much faster process than hand pollination. Other forms of pollination, such as the use of bumblebees, can also be used, but this is less common.
Benefits of Hand-Pollinating Lemon Trees
The main benefit of hand-pollinating lemon trees is control. By pollinating the flowers yourself, you can ensure that the female flower has received enough pollen and that it is the desired variety. Additionally, it is much easier to track the fruit’s progress by hand-pollinating because you can follow it more closely. This can be especially advantageous for those growing the lemon tree indoors.
Common Mistakes When Hand-Pollinating
The most common mistake when hand-pollinating is not using enough pollen. If too little pollen is applied, the female flowers may not receive enough of the male pollen to form a viable fruit. Additionally, using too much force can cause damage to the delicate flowers. Lastly, hand-pollination is best done in the morning when the temperature is low and the insects are not as active.
What Happens After Hand-Pollinating?
After hand-pollinating a lemon tree, it is important to regularly check the flowers and look out for any ovaries or small fruits forming. If ovaries or fruits do form, they will require additional care. The fruits may require periodic thinning of their numbers, as well as regular watering and a balanced fertilizer for the best results.
Overview of Hand-Pollinating Lemon Trees
Hand-pollinating a lemon tree is a simple process that requires the identification of both male and female flowers. After both flowers have been identified, the male flowers should be flicked or brushed to release their pollen. Once the pollen has been released, it should be carefully brushed onto the female flowers. Hand-pollinating regularly should yield fruit more efficiently and make it easier to track how the fruit is progressing.
