I have a couple questions UB.
How old does the male usually have to be before you cut the branches and stick it in a vase? I flipped to 12/12 and confirmed this plant a male by one big sac and then threw him outside. Since then he has developed a decent amount of pods and is 2 weeks old. Think he's ready?
Have the flower bracts started opening, per my post?
The flowers that drop, you said to pick out. Do you mean throw them away or pry the pollen out of them?
The pollen will automatically shed with the slightest vibration. It's like a dust that will waft thru the room if there's any air movement.
Is there a perfect time to dust the female flowers? I know you do it on the white flowers but I was curious whether it was anything like the human where there is a certain time where it can all work.
As long as the pistils are fresh, mature and still white, they will take.
When you brush the pollen on the females, isn't it possible for the pollen to still get airborn? I don't want the the rest of my crop pulling out seeds.
Pull a plant out of the garden, do the dirty deed and place it back in. Thump the treated branch with your finger before putting back under the lights if you're worried about contamination. Some wash off their plants with water. I never have, I mean, why wash off that which you just put on?
Good luck,
UB