HYB: Freezing pollen
iris@hort.net
  • Subject: HYB: Freezing pollen
  • From: <M*@msn.com>
  • Date: Fri, 19 Nov 2010 17:55:28 -0500
Once in a while. I get a bad batch, but nearly always as good
as fresh. Bad ones were probably bad from the start.

I strip the pollen with a Q tip. Put in a paper envelope and keep it in
the door shelf of the fridge until I'm all done with that stalk. Then put
the envelope in a zip-lock bag in the freezer, with a cover sheet inside
listing contents and a little dessicant packet.  I will put all pollen from
several in one zip lock bag.  When I've used all of any, I will cross it off
the contents list.

Pollen stays good in a open envelope in the fridge for at least a month,
and I try to wait to freeze it until there are enough envelopes to fill the
bag, since it's more vulnerable once it's been frozen.

Disadvantage - Taking up too much space in my frost-free freezer.
Advantages - Minimal moisture using Q tips.  Quick and easy to use when
time is of the essence during the breeding season.

Hope this helps.

Mary Lou, near Indianapolis

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