Rocoto Pollination Methods [Archive]

sixstring75

07-11-2006, 08:13 AM

This is my first year growing Rocoto's and I think I'm having a little trouble with pollination (sounds personal doesn't it?). I recently tried using a Q-tip. I don't believe that it took, but I will need a few days yet to be sure. The articles that I have come across say to use a Q-tip, your finger, or a small paint brush. I think that I'm going to use a small damp paint brush next. Am I on the right track?

POTAWIE

07-11-2006, 08:26 AM

Nice to see the poll option being used!
I'm lazy and if I hand pollinate at all its usually with a pepper leaf (stem side). When freshly snapped off, juices flow which hold pollen. My Rocotos are starting to look great but need major trellissing or support.

bubbaschili

07-11-2006, 08:42 AM

my first step is i find a huge bee suite..............

imaguitargod

07-11-2006, 11:38 AM

I use duct tape!

sixstring75

07-11-2006, 06:59 PM

my first step is i find a huge bee suite..............

Do I really want to know about step two?

imaguitargod

07-11-2006, 07:13 PM

Do I really want to know about step two?
Having seen the second step... the answer is no.

Cap'n Bones

07-11-2006, 08:00 PM

Dumb question. Is it safe for me to assume that these are indoor plants?

sixstring75

07-12-2006, 05:52 AM

Dumb question. Is it safe for me to assume that these are indoor plants?

No, They are outdoors. One in the garden and one on the deck. After the blossum dies you can see the tip of the pepper as usual. But it dies and falls off the plant a few days after the blossum dies.

POTAWIE

07-12-2006, 07:32 AM

My first year growing Rocotos too. I find they like a little more shade than most plants, especially when flowering. How's the heat/weather in Indiana. Maybe too sunny/hot for good flowering?

staffing

07-12-2006, 07:35 AM

my first step is i find a huge bee suite..............
You go, Bubba!!! :lol:

I want a picture of that!!!

sixstring75

07-12-2006, 05:39 PM

My first year growing Rocotos too. I find they like a little more shade than most plants, especially when flowering. How's the heat/weather in Indiana. Maybe too sunny/hot for good flowering?

It's been in the 70s to high 80s. They seem to be flowering ok. I get 4 or 5 flowers at one time on each plant. They are in bloom for a week and then the flower dies. About three or four days later the blossom end dies. I'll try moving one to a shaded area and see if it helps. Both plants look very healthy and are growing like crazy.

Cap'n Bones

07-12-2006, 05:56 PM

I'm really going to show my ignorance here. Until I found this site, I've just been growing peppers by sticking the plants in the ground and watching them grow. Why do you need to pollinate the plants if they're outdoors? I've heard of this before, but haven't paid it much attention.

sixstring75

07-12-2006, 07:19 PM

I'm really going to show my ignorance here. Until I found this site, I've just been growing peppers by sticking the plants in the ground and watching them grow. Why do you need to pollinate the plants if they're outdoors? I've heard of this before, but haven't paid it much attention.

From what I understand, they are not self pollinating. They need a little help from the bees, or Bubba in his manly bee suit. Now, I'm not completely clear on the issue. It sounds as if they cannot pollinate themselves (stay with me here, keep it out of the gutter..) it needs to come from another plant. Until I receive clarafication I will continue crossing the two pubescens that I have. I'm not quite sure what the problem is yet sun, heat, my technique. Don't know.

POTAWIE

07-13-2006, 07:59 AM

I think only some pubescens will not self-pollinate. I have one Rocoto on its own and its got small apples on it now. I was worried like you, but after some minor hand pollinating, most rocotos now have some pods.

sixstring75

07-13-2006, 08:20 PM

The "Podless One"........

http://img137.imageshack.us/img137/9618/img13066fu.th.jpg (http://img137.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img13066fu.jpg)

willard3

07-13-2006, 11:15 PM

From what I understand, they are not self pollinating. .

I have grown many pubescens with plenty of fruit in a greenhouse and do nothing to the flowers. They self-pollinate.

I run a fan 16 hr/day........

sixstring75

07-21-2006, 08:22 AM

Still podless.........The potted plant is in the shade for most of the day, if not all day. Temps have been in the 90's. Both plants continue to flower nicely, but then die. Plant growth for the potted one has slowed, while the one in the garden (sun all day) continues to march upward and outward. I may move the potted one inside if it doesn't have pod set shortly.

POTAWIE

07-21-2006, 09:19 AM

Have you used any epsom salts? I think the iron or magnesium or something is helpful. At least from what some gardening show said.

My rocotto's have nice pods growing, but are difficult to support. I'm planning to build a trellis/cage to support my big girl. Any suggestions or pics?

sixstring75

07-21-2006, 05:42 PM

Have you used any epsom salts? I think the iron or magnesium or something is helpful. At least from what some gardening show said.

My rocotto's have nice pods growing, but are difficult to support. I'm planning to build a trellis/cage to support my big girl. Any suggestions or pics?

Nope I have not, I will try the epson salts. Thanks