First lets get familiar with the parts of the flower we will
be working with.
Here is the outline of the flower with parts identified.
First choose the two plants you plan on crossing and choose
who is going to be the "mother" and the "father" (pollen parent).
The "mother" flower or the one that will produce the pod (receive
the pollen) is chosen right before it opens.
I take a small pair of sharp scissors and carefully cut
around the base of the corolla tube. Be careful not to cut in to
far as it can damage the ovary or stigma. When you do this it
takes off the flowers stamens so it can not self pollinate and
gives you easier access to the stigma.
Now to get the stamens from the "father". I simply choose a
flower that has been open a few days but the stamens are still
closed together. I simply pick the corolla off the plant.
I then take my scissors and make a nice cut on the upper part
of the corolla tube.
Then I gently pull the corolla and it's lobes carefully from
the tube and expose the stamens.
Now I carefully pull the anthers apart exposing the pollen. I
then rub the anther onto the stigma. I usually use both sides of
the stamens anthers to be sure pollen is covering the stigma
well.
I then lightly wrap the pollinated flower end in clear
plastic wrap but leave the bottom slightly open to prevent rot.
This ensures in my dry environment (average humidity 15%) that
the Stigma wont dry up to quickly. You will want to open the bag
and repeat pollination a second time after a few days have passed
to ensure pollination. Be sure to replace the bag. (This step can
be skipped if you live in a humid place)
The bag can be taken off after a few days. The seed-pod will
have began to elongate and twist. After about 2 months it will
start to turn brown and dry out.
Here is a dried pod that I cut and allowed to finish drying
out.
When the seed pod is completely dry I hold on to both ends of
the pod and untwist it. This opens up the pod and allows the
seeds to fall out freely. Now be sure to store them in a cool dry
place until you sow them. :)