Pollination – Growing Plumeria from Seeds

Planning for late 2018 and 2019 plumeria seeds

Work in Progress…..

Every year, I have to start thinking about the next year’s supply of seeds. Determining which plumeria I want to get seed pods from and should I manually self-pollinate or cross-pollinate. This year, Irma gave us a chance to rearrange most of our plumeria beds. So what I decided to do is put plumeria I want to pollinate or cross-pollinate in the same beds or at least close to each other. These are the plumeria I feel will help produce offspring with the traits I’m hoping for.

The first bed has the following Plumeria, I will manually cross-pollinate different combinations over the 2018 growing season.

Bed Number SE-01 contains 6 plants:

Camelot – Penang Peach seedling, great color, great bloomer, compact grower, sets seeds

George Brown – Penang Peach seedling, unusual color, great bloomer, compact grower. rarely sets seeds

Super Round – believed to be a Penang Peach seedling, great color, compact grower, sets seeds

Penang Peach – produces some great offspring. Good color, compact grower, sets seeds

Desert Sunrise – Chameleon. Compact grower. Sweet Scent, sets seeds

Bangkok Fire – Good Color, medium compact, ?sets seeds?

Bed Number SE-03

Bed Number FSB-01 contains 8 plants: I’m going to change some of these out.

Heirloom – a seedling of Summer Spice, compact grower, unusual color, sets seeds but rare.

Gina – semi compact grower, good color, good bloomer, sets seeds

Siam Ruby – a compact grower, good color, good bloomer, sets seeds

Thornton’s Lemon Drop – compact grower, good color, great bloomer, sets seeds

Dwarf Orange – Great color, compact grower,

Raspberry Sundae – Great color, medium grower, good bloomer, sets seeds

Fireblast – Great color, medium grower, good bloomer, sets seeds.

Queen Amber – Great color, medium grower, good bloomer

Bed Number

Plumeria Seed Pollination and Pollinators: An Essential Guide

Introduction

Pollination plays a pivotal role in the life cycle of Plumeria, leading to the formation of seeds. This guide explores the pollination process of Plumeria, the types of pollinators involved, and the importance of each in reproducing these enchanting plants.

Plumeria Pollination Explained

Process of Pollination:
- Pollination in Plumeria involves the transfer of pollen from the anther (male part) to the stigma (female part) within the same species.
- After pollen grains land on the stigma, a pollen tube grows through the style to the ovary, allowing sperm cells to fertilize the egg cells, forming seeds.
Importance of Genetic Diversity:
- While self-pollination is common and simple, it results in reduced genetic diversity. Cross-pollination, involving different flowers, enhances genetic variation in offspring.

Forms of Plumeria Pollination

Self-Pollination:
- Occurs within the same flower or between flowers on the same plant.
- Can happen naturally or be induced by humans.
Cross-Pollination:
- Involves the transfer of pollen between flowers of different Plumeria plants.
- Increases genetic diversity and produces unique offspring.

Plumeria Pollinators

Sphinx Moths:
- Adapted to Plumeria’s long flower throats, they play a significant role in pollination.
Thrips:
- Small enough to travel down the throat of Plumeria flowers, thrips contribute to pollination despite their primary plant-feeding nature.
Tiny Ants:
- Potentially involved in Plumeria pollination, although their role may be less significant than other pollinators.

The Lure of Nectar

Attracting Pollinators: Plumeria flowers use nectar (some studies have shown that plumeria do not produce nectar) and vivid colors to attract pollinators.
Mutual Benefit: This relationship benefits both the Plumeria (through pollination) and the pollinators (by providing nectar).

Insect Pollinators: Key Players in Plumeria Reproduction

Specific Adaptations: Certain insects are uniquely adapted to pollinate specific plants, including Plumeria.
Diversity of Pollinators: While bees are common pollinators, Plumeria’s structure and scent are more suited to moths, thrips, and possibly tiny ants.

Collecting and Harvesting Seed Pods

Seed Pod Characteristics: Resembling long beans, seed pods may vary in color and size. They contain numerous seeds and can grow up to 12 inches or more.
Harvesting Method: Cover maturing seed pods with netting or cheesecloth to collect seeds upon opening, ensuring adequate air circulation.

Conclusion

Understanding the pollination process and the role of various pollinators is crucial in the cultivation of Plumeria. By recognizing these key aspects, gardeners and enthusiasts can better appreciate and support the natural reproductive processes of these beautiful plants.

Further Learning

For more detailed information on Plumeria cultivation and pollination, consult horticultural resources, join enthusiast groups, or visit botanical gardens. These resources offer valuable insights into the fascinating world of Plumeria and their unique pollination mechanisms.