My African Reds are flowering now also
 

I'm going to try pollinating the second flower with pollen from the first. They are all in a large pot, which has rooted into the ground, so I'll be able to bring them inside for the fruits to mature (if the pollination takes). This is one of my favorite flowers, being much more red in color than any others I have. Half of the plants have turned up slightly variegated this year also (See the leaf in the top right corner)!

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Re: My African Reds are flowering now also
 

That's really pretty looking! This seems to be the year for weird variegation to show up.

Re: My African Reds are flowering now also
 

That is really cool!!! :2721:

Re: My African Reds are flowering now also
 

Hi Bigdog,

Nice flowers!!! Can you see visible pollen on the flowers of your African Red?

Richard

Re: My African Reds are flowering now also
 

Thank you!

Richard, I examined several male flowers today, in hopes of pollinating the newest flower, and found not one grain of pollen. Have you observed the same thing? Would this indicate hybrid origin?

I went ahead and pollinated one bunch of female flowers with some musa basjoo pollen. I hope it takes. It would be an interesting cross! I used the technique that you posted on GW last year. Could you be so kind as to post that on this site also? By the way, musa basjoo nectar is very tasty! I was licking my fingers after I was done! :nanerelectricguitar

Re: My African Reds are flowering now also
 

I love Banana nectar. I tried Musa Rosa at Gabes back in July. I can't wait to have some from my basjoo when it finally blooms.

Zac

Re: My African Reds are flowering now also
 

Hi Bigdog,

The one I got from you has not bloomed yet but one of my plants that I think might be African Red has bloomed and does not appear to have any pollen (and does not set fruit when pollinated).

I really enjoy the taste of the nectar also. It is a special treat (if i can beat the bumblebees, hummingbirds and wasps to it).

Here is the link to the pollination technique I posted last year. Thanks for the request.

http://home.coastalnow.net/%7Erhwaww/OrnBanPol.html

Richard