How to Pollinate an Amaryllis for Seed Production

Introduction

If you’re hooked on Amaryllis, harvesting seeds from your favorite plants can be a fun and economical way to increase your Amaryllis population. It’s also a great educational project you can do with kids. However, keep in mind that Amaryllis grown from seed will take 4-5 years to bloom so it will be a lesson in patience as well as horticulture.

By: prism

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Instructions

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Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Tips & Warnings:

If you are pollinating more than one variety of Amaryllis, thoroughly wash and dry the paintbrush between varieties to avoid accidental cross breeding
To avoid accidental cross breeding between multiple varieties, use a different paintbrush for each plant you are pollinating. Stake it in the pot between uses to avoid mix-ups.
A cotton swab can be used instead of a paintbrush.
This same process can be used to pollinate Lilies.
Amaryllis are poisonous to humans and pets. Keep away from pets and small children who might accidentally ingest plant parts. Always wash your hands after handling your Amaryllis.
Instructions are for growing Amaryllis indoors and does not include precautionary methods to avoid unintended cross pollination outdoors by insects.

Step1

Amaryllis with Ripe Pollen Gently collect a bit of pollen on the paintbrush.

Step2

Amaryllis with Open Stigma Be sure the stigma is open and has three points. Brush or tap the pollen onto the stigma.

Step3

Repeat this daily to ensure good fertilization.

Step4

Swollen Seed Pods Within a few days, you should notice the seed pods located directly at the base of the bloom beginning to swell as it is producing seeds. When the pods burst open, harvest the seeds and plant soon.

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Photo/Video Credit

Prism, STM

Comments

prism said

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on 3/31/2008 Thanks everyone! And Smidgen... you sure made a young man proud when I told him what you said!

NinaH said

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on 3/28/2008 Nice work with the video! :-)

smidgen said

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on 3/27/2008 That is so impressive I never knew how to do that! Thanks for your tips and tricks I hope to see more of them soon!!!! Please tell who ever helped you with this video that they did a GREAT job!