I am trying to grow pumpkin in raised beds without much luck. I have flowers that don't fruit. I have lots of bees in other beds but suspect there is a pollination issue. How do you tell the difference between female & male flowers, then how do I pollinate the female flower?
20 Mar 18 Lisa (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
The female flowers have what looks like a small pumpkin just behind the base of the petals the male ones have only got stalk there. The centre of the flowers are different too. The male flower has a longer, thin centre (think "male" and you get the idea) and the centre of the female flower is sort of a roundish swirl. To hand pollinate, remove a male flower and tear off the petals. The "male" part has the pollen. Rub it on the "female" part, the roundish swirl in the centre of the female flower. If it has worked, the pumpkin looking bit of the female flower will start to grow.
This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department.
The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.
Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About Gardenate | Contact us | Privacy Policy
This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.