Pollen life span - Orchid Board

Stray59 · #1 12-08-2012, 09:22 PM

Hey members!
I had another member ask about me mailing them some orchid pollen from my Pescatorea walisii. Is there "shelf-life" on pollen? If I mail it now and it freezes, is it still viable?
Have no problem with sharing pollen once I have self-ed or crossed- the plants, which I hope that I have been able to accomplish. Unfortunately, I self-ed the last bloom and am waiting to see if there will be more buds.
Also, is there a way to preserve it better, or just in a plastic envelope?
Thanks for your input,
Steve

isurus79 · #2 12-08-2012, 09:25 PM

Pollen in the fridge can last some months, but if it freezes its dead. It should be fine to ship it via snail mail, just make sure it won't be in a cold snap. We have a pretty gnarly cold front working through today, tomorrow and through the first part of the coming week. I would wait until after this front blows through and things warm up a bit.

Stray59 · #3 12-08-2012, 09:35 PM

isurus79:
Great news, was wondering about the fridge being used. Also, good to have a forecast from Texas as we usually get what you had!
Thanks for the info -
Steve

isurus79 · #4 12-08-2012, 09:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stray59

isurus79:
Also, good to have a forecast from Texas as we usually get what you had!

Ya, looks like our first hard freeze of the year is coming through on Monday and Tuesday nights! I guess summer has to end eventually! lol

Stray59 · #5 12-09-2012, 02:02 AM

I kind of wish we would get some seasonable temps. I really think that this in-between stuff is going to cause a lot of issues with the perennials in this area. Annuals are living through the winter in many cases.
I need to send an orchid to New York, and in return get a flask of seedlings - looks like we better get a move on as I think you are right - winter is coming!
Steve