Lack of bees. Does anyone hand polinate the flowers?
 

Jeeze, they're falling off daily. They're not getting polinated. Can I do it with a paint brush or something? The yield would be so much better.

Re: Lack of bees. Does anyone hand polinate the flowers?
 

I am confused - what is it you are pollinating exactly? Edible bananas are parthenocarpic and do not require pollination.

Now if you are working on something else that is entirely a different story. If you are intersted in bees, I can give you some advice there.

Keith

Re: Lack of bees. Does anyone hand polinate the flowers?
 

I was under the impression that they still needed a transfer of pollen from stamin to pistil? Even if on the same flower. if this is not the case, why do the flowers keep dropping? They're not mal formed or anything.

Re: Lack of bees. Does anyone hand polinate the flowers?
 

What kind of banana are we talking about here?

Got any pics? You may be seeing the flowers fall off - but the ovaries, which turn into the fruit should still be present. These may be male flowers. The plant may be aborting the inflorescnece. etc. Hrd to say withotu seeing it - for me at least.

Keith

Re: Lack of bees. Does anyone hand polinate the flowers?
 

Yep it's the whole thing. I'll post some images when I get home tonight. Jeeze it kills me to see the flowers displayed, only to have them fall off the next day. I wish there were something I could do to prevent this.

Re: Lack of bees. Does anyone hand polinate the flowers?
 

Flower close-up:

Dropped flowers:

Re: Lack of bees. Does anyone hand polinate the flowers?
 

that is normal, those are just the male (actually in this case bisexual) flowers that will not turn into bananas. you never need pollination for edible bananas.

Re: Lack of bees. Does anyone hand polinate the flowers?
 

So is the bunch done? So she will not produce anymore bananas? My bunches seem so small.

Re: Lack of bees. Does anyone hand polinate the flowers?
 

Yep its done with making bunches. Once the inflorescence starts producing male( or Bisexual flowers) it will not do anymore female flowers. You could cut that off now if you wish and eat the male bud or leave it, its your choice. I am leaving my basjoo inflorescence until right before frost here and I plan to try it out with some of the recipes off of the recipe section. Anyone know how basjoo rates to other varieties as far as male bud flavor???

Zac

Re: Lack of bees. Does anyone hand polinate the flowers?
 

Please give a link to a GOOD recipe. I have cut some of the others off, and hacked them open, and they smell edible. What does it taste like?