For conifers, pollen is dispersed by wind over a period of several days. Of course, pollen dispersal depends on humidity, temperature, and wind conditions. Under prolonged conditions of high humidity, shedding of wind-borne pollen may be inhibited. Unidirectional wind during pollen dispersal may result in one-sided pollination. When female cones are receptive, scales spread apart to allow pollen grains to come in contact with the ovules.
Fertilization occurs and seed development and maturation continues.
Depending upon the conifer genus, cones will ripen during the current growing season or the next. Iowa State University , Ames, Iowa. This information subject to a usage policy .