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NEPA [email protected] KB3QKV

We have our first female flower past 10 feet on the main vine. Does anyone have an idea about how long will it take before it opens?

6/21/2005 8:27:26 AM

ipswich, ma usa

7 or so days.

John (5150)

6/21/2005 8:33:36 AM

Montoursville, PA

Watch it closely the last of those seven days or so. The night before there will be a distinctive yellow in the flower that one can learn to read.

6/21/2005 11:59:45 AM

NEPA [email protected] KB3QKV

Thanks then protect it with cheesecloth or something right?

6/21/2005 7:22:24 PM

Cincinnati,OH

Only if your doing a controlled cross or self pollination.
You will also have to cover the male flowers the same way.
After pollinating the female recover it. Don't allow any bees or bugs to land on any of the flowers during the pollination process.

6/21/2005 8:06:38 PM

NEPA [email protected] KB3QKV

Thanks Ron, that would make a lot of sense. Keep them covered until the flowers fall off?

6/21/2005 9:25:07 PM

NEPA [email protected] KB3QKV

Doc I am watching the male flowers that are opening now. I am trying to observe every day what they look like hoping that I can learn to read them before the female opens up.

6/21/2005 9:27:05 PM

Utah

I got this from a grower a few years ago ... it works well... the short answer is "they pucker" before they open.

" It's easy to tell which flowers will open in the morning. Watch the tips of the flowers. If they come to a sharp point and look tight, the flower will wait at least another day to open. When you see the end of the flower near the point start to bulge slightly, the flower is about to pop open. Sometimes the tip of the flower starts to seperate some also. Every evening check your female flowers and look for a bulging tip. It's a little subtle but once you've seen it, it's easy to spot. "

6/22/2005 8:43:54 AM