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North Ga

Hi all
It may just be my optimism, but I think the pollen from the males Ken and John sent me did the trick. All 5 females that I brushed look noticeably different today than the many aborts I've seen the past few weeks. I'll give them a little more time.
Pappy

7/21/2001 4:10:25 PM

GULFPORT,MISSISSIPPI

GREETINGS FOLKS! MAN AM I GLAD THAT I FOUND THIS SITE!!!! NOTHING LIKE LEARNING FROM THE PROS. MAYBE THIS YEAR I'LL ACTUALLY HAVE SOME DECENT PUMPKINS. YOU MENTIONED THE WORD "ABORTS". I SEEM TO HAVE THOSE QUITE A BIT EACH YEAR. WHAT IS THE CAUSE AND HOW DO I PREVENT THIS FROM HAPPENING? THANKS FOR YOUR HELP!

7/21/2001 5:54:44 PM

Connecticut, USA

Pappy, I still have my fingers crossed for you!

Greenhorn, aborts can be caused by heat stress, lack of pollination or just bad luck (so it seems). It is normal for a plant to abort some of the blossoms. I don't know what the percentage is. I seem to be getting more this year though. Are you hand pollinating your female blossoms?

7/22/2001 10:04:11 PM

North Ga

LoL ken
Yes I am pollinating females by hand but only when I get some pollen. As of today 7/22/01, three males have opened and not one had a stamen. My plant could be 50 ft by 50 ft at this time. I have been redirecting main vines and lopping off secondaries. After I pollinated with the males you and John sent I fertilized with 18 18 21. I am getting tired of just growing vegetation. Approx. 1800 sq. ft. worth. The females I pollinated are looking pretty good. It's only been 4 days but I am optimistic. We'll see!
Thanks
Pappy

P.S. I sent cash. LOL!!!

7/22/2001 10:53:11 PM

North Ga

By the way. I'm going to order one of those good looking caps Thursday.

7/22/2001 11:02:31 PM