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Long Beach, CA

I started out my plants (one AG and one prizewinner) early (in March) and as a result the fruits are mature and have pretty much stopped growing. I'm trying to get a second fruit set, but this is impossible because there are absolutely NO male flowers to pollinate the females. What could be causing this, is there any way to stimulate male flower production?

Thanks,
Oliver

8/8/2005 5:04:16 PM

I'm no expert (for a few years anyway till I get my horticulture degree), but I'd say you'd be better off to wait till next year. you COULD try to let new growth grow, because the new growth would give you male flowers. But the plants sound like they are way past the fruit setting stage. According to the plant, it reproduced, has mature pumpkins, and now its only job is to die and let the seeds carry on life.
On another thought... when do you get frost there? Maybe there's time to grow whole new plants?

8/9/2005 7:08:58 PM

Long Beach, CA

For some reason, maybe because the fruits have stopped growing, both of my plants have suddenly (within these last few days) stepped up flower production. I'll try getting a new fruit set; of course not much will come of it, but I'd like to do the experiment. I did consider growing a new batch of pumpkins into the fall, but I don't think the plants would be too happy with the cooler temps in October/November. Frost shouldn't be a problem though; we rarely get any before January (if at all).

Oliver

8/11/2005 9:34:50 PM

Montoursville, PA

The advise, on this site continues, to improve. Hey...the growers learn every day they grow. Most share that knowledge. Common threads that are sound have developed real well over the past three years.

Brigitte gets the blue ribbon on this thread!

8/12/2005 9:26:38 AM