Embodiments of a method and apparatus are provided for facilitating the controlled growth and harvesting of pollen. According to the method tassels are cut from maize plants and placed in growth chambers to allow the tassels to continue to develop at a controlled rate. For example environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity within the growth chambers may be monitored and regulated. Once the anthers on a tassel begin to release pollen the growth chamber may be vibrated and/or air may be directed through the growth chamber to encourage further release and collection of pollen on demand. Furthermore inert materials may be directed with the air to frictionally encourage dehiscence of undehisced anthers.
