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Nashua, NH

I'm growing 1 Pierce 1213 and 2 Peters 1011. The Pierce is 13 to 14 ft. long, one Peters is about 12 ft and the other Peters 6 to 7 ft. I have not seen a female flower on any plant yet. I have some males. This is my first time growing seeds from known giants. What could they be lacking? I assumed I would pollinate by next week. Plants look great and growing like crazy.

6/29/2005 4:29:02 PM

Montoursville, PA

A number of things could cause this condition but to much nitrogen will do it darn near every time. There are a bunch of growers in your area. Try to get with a local for possibly a better opinion.

6/29/2005 5:38:13 PM

[email protected]

Did you have a soil test done in the past 6 months? If the pH is low then your available Phosphourus might be low. In which case you might need to add some high P soluble fertilizer like Bloombuster or similar. Raising New England soil pH during the growing season is difficult at best.

6/29/2005 7:49:37 PM

Mocksville, NC

I've been told the females proceed the male flowers by about 9 or so day's if it past that, then you better listen to the first 2 posts.

6/30/2005 12:29:38 AM

Nashville, TN

hmmmm... On every single one of the 15 varieties I'm growing - the MALES proceeded the FEMALES by 10 days... The males are all grwoing & budding very near the stalk - the females don't show up until 5-10' down the vine.

Only about 1/2 of my GPs have started blooming the females (already have some setting pumpkins!) . Several of the 'late bloomers' are HUGE - but are just now developing buds.

Now I do have a very high N level - along with all other nutrient levels.. since I use this garden area to dump 'horse stall waste' from the barn all winter. So you may be dealing with a deficiency - or you may just have 'late bloomers'. as long as you see some buds forming - I wouldn't worry.

6/30/2005 11:35:48 AM

Mocksville, NC

Yeah your right the males come first then the females ( sorry up late, and worked 91 hours in 7 days)And just got off.Everything is backwards right now. Rog.

6/30/2005 3:55:38 PM

Nashua, NH

Thanks all. I've had males for about two weeks or so. Last tested soil last fall. Will check again this weekend. Had plenty of males and females last year on generic package seeds. For ferts I have used Phosphorus and fish/seaweed.
Maybe just need to be patient.
Dick

6/30/2005 5:55:07 PM