Howdy.
I have a potted Parfianka (z5b) that every year takes it’s time to get the blossoms to set. Meaning, it started blossoming(open flowers) around a month or so ago but they all just drop off. At first I thought maybe it was the deal where some plants only make male flowers to start but that isn’t it, they have both. Most years I would guess it produces 20-50 flowers but usually only sets 1-5 fruits. Problem is that they start setting too late ripen most years and usually I remove all but the first one or two that set first. I have tried hand pollinating but that doesn’t work. Anyone have any idea what’s up and how to get them to set sooner?
As of a few days ago I can confirm I for sure have one pom that will hold(about the size of a quarter now) and looks like another is going as well.
I have never seen any insect working the flowers. Hummers are all over the place since it started blooming, I thought for sure they would at least check out the flowers but never have I seen one of them go for them either. Humming bird moths just started showing up, are they the ones that get it going?
Is there a flowering plant nearby that the bees visit all season long?
Mostly no, I have it among my potted fig trees. I have a potted culinary sage that was in the area but not right next to it. The bees love that. Do you think putting bee magnets around it would help?
If the bees were coming for the sage while the pomegranate was in bloom then that should be sufficient.