From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Georgia

Howdy folks... I've got a problem with the female buds withering before the flower is anywhere near blooming.

I've always assumed this was because the plant wasn't big or strong enough to support fruit yet. But this year, my only plant is almost 20 feet out, I've only had 3 females (none of which survived to flowering) and I'm getting worried!

So what makes the females abort while tiny? The plant looks great, has a ton of water and fertilizer. No bugs. The days have been hot but not brutal yet.

Any thoughts?

6/22/2007 11:51:54 AM

Greene County, Pa.

has a ton of water and fertilizer. What kind of fert. high nitrogen could cause female flowers to fall off prematurly.
BuddyG

6/22/2007 12:32:05 PM

Georgia

Hey thanks Buddy I had forgotten about that! Lots of organic 5-2-2 in the ground, and fish emulsion and miracle grow (10-10-10) sprayed on the leaves often. I'll lay off the fertilizer for now. Any other ideas anyone?

6/22/2007 1:02:58 PM

Somers, CT

Try also cooling the plant a little. Females abort when it is too hot as well. Some growers freeze gallon jugs and place them by the stump. I can use the freezing water out of my well that for once has a good purpose.

6/22/2007 2:59:38 PM

What does "hot but not brutal" mean in Georgia? It might very well have been too hot for them even though it wasn't brutal. A couple of years I've had plants that just wouldn't produce female flower that survived long enough to flower until the plant was darn good and ready. So... be patient, and try the ice jug trick next to the flowers on the day of bloom and for a few days thereafter.

6/23/2007 11:42:42 AM

Georgia

Hot but not brutal means anything up to 90 degrees. We're breaking over that this weekend.

I'm misting some, and I've shaded my next targeted female bud. I've also quit with all fertilizer for now.

I started a backup seed today. It feels very late for that, but if I remember correctly, Doug Adams started the plant that produced the Georgia state record on June 23rd. So maybe that's a sign!

Thanks for your help folks, I really appreciate y'all taking the time to help me out.

6/23/2007 2:15:51 PM