My pubescens seeds sprouted a few weeks ago. I've been doing a little reading and came across this -

"Some sources state that because of their long growing season and need for long day length, the pubescens varieties are unsuitable for cultivation in the United States. However, experiments have shown that plants started early can achieve fruiting in one season. Some plants may not fruit because there is mostly self-incompatibility in the species. To set fruit, pollen must be transferred by bees or humans from a neighboring plant of the same variety. The species also responds well to shading because the foliage has a tendency to burn in full sun."

Source: http://www.fiery-foods.com/dave/profile_pubescens.html

My questions - Anyone want to confirm the lack of self-compatibility? Will I have to assist pollination and if so how do I do that?

Joe

Assisting pollination can be done with a Q-tip or soft brush, dipping it from one flower on plant A to another flower on plant B. As for self-compatibility I can't help you.

The length of the day here in Finland is quite a bit longer than in the 'states, so I shouldn't think a lack of light would become a problem. If you can start them early in jan-feb with, let's say a 18/6 light cycle and then transfered them to a green house around the end of this month, you should be fine. You may end up having to provide the plants with extra light by the end of September, into October.

EDIT: Scratch that last comment; I realized, that these plants are quite young.



-Sale

I noticed last season that atleast most of my Pubescens varietys could pollinate themselves without a second variety as a neighbour. So I don't think that it's going to be a problem pollinating your plants! But it's quite nice and relaxing to put on your bee-suite and start humming while dipping your softbrush in the flowers!  :twisted:

LainausMy questions - Anyone want to confirm the lack of self-compatibility? Will I have to assist pollination and if so how do I do that?

Joe,

I grown several dozen C. pubescens varieties and only know of one variety that will not self and one other that I am not sure about.  PI 387838 from Equador requires a 2nd plant and a "white"-flowered variety from the Canary Islands (thanks PeterM) might need a 2nd plant.

There is little doubt in my mind that bees and other pollinators greatly improve pod set, but just shaking the plant seems to work.  I prefer brushing the blossoms together if at all possible.  

JohnT

My experience since 1996 has shown Rocotos to be partly self-pollinating. Some varieties do, some just don't - and many, even when they do, don't produce fruit easily. So, the reputation has some truth behind it...

Thanks again all. I have another (possibly stupid) question. My cucumbers have distinct male and female flowers. Do peppers?

Joe

Pepper flowers are perfect so they have both female and male organs in same flower.

I have only grown 3-5 varieties of pubescens, but all have self-pollinated.

I run a fan in the greenhouse 24/7 which may be a help.