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Casa Grande, AZ

Ok, 2nd post-
I have 3 plants, from atlantic seeds AKA Giant pumpkin
A few days ago I saw my first ever bud bloom. Now each plant has several buds, all young. There is only 1 bud blooming though. What should I do to make sure there is proper pollination? For my tomato plants I just simply touch each bud with the same finger. Sounds wierd but it works for the most part. Should I do the same with Pumpkin?
Now there are a few bees and wasps around. Should I just let mother nature do her part or do I give her my helping hand?

5/4/2008 4:49:26 PM

Garden State Pumpkins

Male or female? Females have the Ball below it...males are just flowers.

5/4/2008 8:31:01 PM

Windsor, Ontario, Canada

If its your first bloom, gotta be a male. Just leave them be and collect them the next day when they shrivel up to prevent rotting material in the patch.

5/4/2008 8:32:19 PM

Casa Grande, AZ

First bloom. Ok thank you both for your response!!!

5/5/2008 1:02:39 AM

Westford, MA

As said above the males show 1st. they're a flower on just a long stem.
The females show later. they are close to the vine depending on stem length, at the end of the stem is a small ball (see baby Pumpkin)with the flower at the "Blossom end" of the ball.
Last year I had store bought seeds and let the bees do it.
I had enough digging etc to do.
I've got some great seeds fron nhgpga, so I'll be doning my yellow & black stripe suit, and buzzing around this year.
Lots of info on polination on this site.
Rather than me giving you advice from a 2nd year grower, I recommend you check out this site for polination info.
good luck
kevin

5/5/2008 10:30:56 AM

Casa Grande, AZ

Kevin thanks alot for your info! I'll go check out the site!!!!

5/5/2008 11:12:10 AM