Fertilize oleander flowers
But before the oleander can produce fruit, the flowers must first be fertilized. The flowers of the plant are hermaphroditic, that is, both female and male. In theory, self-fertilization is possible, but it is more likely when two different oleanders exchange genetic information - this is also necessary, for example, to obtain new varieties. Usually fertilization takes place via animals or insects, but the hobby breeder can also do this by hand. All you need is a brush with which you can transfer pollen from one flower to another immediately after opening the flower buds.
also read
- Growing oleanders - growing new varieties yourself with fun and success
- Yellow oleander seeds are deadly poisonous
- Successful propagation of oleander by seeds
Create good conditions for the pods to ripen
The formation of the pods is not crowned with success every summer, because the oleander needs a lot of sun and warmth for this. In rather cool and rainy summers, the flowering can therefore also fail. In addition, the seed pods usually take a long time to mature - German summers are often too short for this process. However, you can artificially extend the warm season by moving the oleander to a warm and bright winter garden - don't forget to install additional plant lamps. The pods are ready to be harvested as soon as they turn brown and split open lengthways.
Collect and sow seeds
The brownish seeds contained in it have - similar to the seeds of the dandelion - umbrellas, because oleander seeds are distributed in the area with the help of the wind. However, you remove the seeds from the pods and proceed as follows:
- Soak the seeds in lukewarm water overnight.
- Then sow them in a flat seed tray with fresh, nutrient-poor seed substrate. (€ 9.05 at Amazon *)
- A substrate based on coconut fibers is ideal for this purpose.
- Moisten the seeds and substrate
- and keep both moist for the next few weeks.
- Cover the bowl with cling film to increase the humidity.
- Place the seed tray in a light and warm place.
If everything goes well, the seeds will germinate within a few weeks.
Tips
Remember that the development of the pods of the plant takes a lot of strength, which in turn is at the expense of the flower formation.
