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Santa Cruz, CA

We have a plant that won't keep any of its pollinated females. The plant, especially at the tips, seems sort of rubbery as opposed to brittle and fresh like the other plants. What could this be? Three females gave it a short go but now any females that show up turn brown and never flower when they are only small marble size females. Should the plant be pulled out at this point? I can't see any more females on the main. There are two coming on two secondaries but they don't look that great.
Thanks- Creek and son

7/25/2007 6:33:30 PM

Ham Lake, Minnesota

That's horrible news, Creek. If it were me, and there's other plants to focus on, I'd pull it. Do a soil test and work to build your soil up for next year in that patch.:)

7/25/2007 6:41:48 PM

Somers, CT

Last year I had a hard time trying to polinate because it was so hot and dry. I installed irrigation for my yard and put a faucet by the patch. On hot days I run it to cool the plants during the day. What you can try is a frozen gallon jug by the females to cool them down. Like stated above, make sure you have enough (and not too much) water, nutrients and it does not get over 90F for long periods of time.

7/26/2007 10:17:26 AM

SF Bay Area, California

Too much nitrogen in the soil will cause the females to abort before bloom. Water the plant heavily with lots of clean water to help flush the soil some and it could snap the plant out of it. Never give up on a plant...

A few year's ago, I had a plant showing the same symptoms and I managed to get a late set on the main. I ended up with Lilu - 997 pounds and gorgeous!

7/27/2007 10:18:59 AM