On time for sure. Planted late last year because one of my plots was found. Had to get more going and quick. It was early June at planting and they grew great! A couple ended up at around 6 ft! Later planting requires more watering and the plants are having to complete with native plants that have been growing a while. From what I remember flowering may take longer to trigger if the plants are not yet 42 days (6 weeks) old.
I always allow the plants to pollinate until 2-3 weeks into August to get a few seeds. If pollinating allow your early maturing males to live so you have a good pollen source. I recommend pulling the males over to the side or just wedge them into the native brush to give room for the females. If the males are culled to make more room for the females, there may not be a male producing pollen that early to pollinate on time! Ended up with a bunch of seed last year making that mistake and pollinating until early Sept. oops!
I always allow the plants to pollinate until 2-3 weeks into August to get a few seeds. If pollinating allow your early maturing males to live so you have a good pollen source. I recommend pulling the males over to the side or just wedge them into the native brush to give room for the females. If the males are culled to make more room for the females, there may not be a male producing pollen that early to pollinate on time! Ended up with a bunch of seed last year making that mistake and pollinating until early Sept. oops!