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Kutztown, PA

Who knows some truths about blossoms as the subject relates to selection of flower to pollinate and bigger, better pumpkins? How many lobes? Does it matter?

2/3/2022 1:38:25 PM

Grittyville, WA

This hasn't really been agreed upon, but I believe sepals (green spikes at the base of the blossom) may correspond to the weight potential of the pumpkin... via the number of ribs. Lobes doesnt correspond to weight, but it affects shape and therefore the measuring of % heavy in some cases.

2/3/2022 1:55:31 PM

Kutztown, PA

I thin the number of internal cavity divisions corresponds with the number of lobes, but I wouldn't swear to it.

2/3/2022 2:01:35 PM

valtierra/spain

I believe that the number of lobes gives more or less seeds, but it does not influence the size. the 2469 daletas was 4-lobed, my 2517 was also 4-lobes, 2201 wallace was 3-lobed. Pumpkins with 4 lobes are more perfect, I think. With 5 lobes, the pumpkin may not be very symmetrical, if any of the 5 lobes are not perfect. I would choose a perfect flower, the perfect lobes, but by the number I think you should not be guided. Leonardo Ureña, loves flowers with 4 lobes, says that pumpkins are prettier, and I think he's right. I had never heard of the sepals, it is interesting to investigate.

2/3/2022 3:42:37 PM

Kutztown, PA

Rmen - I was thinking with more lobes there would be more vacuoles within the flower which if pollinated would translate into more seeds. What do you think? Also - I'm growing a 2517 this year. Hope it's a giant!

2/3/2022 4:02:21 PM

Grittyville, WA

Garwolf, yes the internal divisions (ovaries) will correspond precisely to the lobes unless there is a defect. Interestingly, lobes is not linked to the number of "ribs" of the hull, which is usually 10, but could be 11 or 12 or more. But the sepals might coreespond to the ribs, (again, except when there is a defect). Whether this leads to a bigger pumpkin... is a gamble. I think sometimes it might.

2/3/2022 5:31:05 PM