From

Location

Message

Date Posted

New York

I put a plant in a side garden that I wanted to use to pollinate my pumpkin. I haven’t taken care of or fertilized the plant at all so it’s not a very strong plant. Will it’s pollen still be good and unaffected? Thanks

6/19/2021 7:02:02 PM

Westmoreland, KS

Pollen will be fine...personally I like to know what the mother and farther do but i know some people do have plants just for pollen

6/19/2021 7:38:59 PM

New York

I agree I just start one just in case there’s something that I don’t want to self. My plant this year has thrown out a couple double leaves and a couple other odd things that haven’t caused any problems or any extra work but it’s just not something that I want to self. Also this pollinator plant was growing like crazy and I honestly think I should have put it in the garden

6/19/2021 8:29:35 PM

Grittyville, WA

I think the answer is that yes the pollen could be less vigorous if there was a severe mineral deficiency, and yes it may be genetically good even though it hasnt been fully proven.

6/20/2021 11:20:49 AM

Grittyville, WA

Not a big worry. I'd chose the pollen from the less quirky plant.

6/20/2021 11:40:38 AM

Syracuse, NY

Well, since I typed it, and 'yes' to Gritty's replies: Every pollination causes a somewhat-unpredictable outcome anyway, so by selfing OR even cross/sib pollinating, the result will be OF the parents' crossing anyhow you look at it. So, if the plant to be poll'd is quirky, those traits could be passed on, even by selfing OR any cross pollinating with a reputable seed's plant, OR perhaps cancelled out if one is lucky. Too bad it takes a year to find out, lol---eg

6/20/2021 12:57:52 PM

Colorado

What Jake said, use it if your not into selfing. Pollen will work fine.

6/23/2021 12:19:41 PM