From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Jasper, Indiana

What is the length of time between when the female first appears and when the flower blooms? Also, what is the preferred number of lobes?

I have a female at 12' on the main vine and would like to pollinate if the number of lobes is acceptable.

6/7/2010 11:41:58 AM

Menomonie, WI (mail@gr8pumpkin.net)

About 10 days depending on temperature. The hotter it is the sooner the female blooms.

6/7/2010 1:29:26 PM

Jasper, Indiana

thanks for the information...Linus

6/7/2010 3:30:03 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

BH, on the lobes question...extensive studies have proven rather inconclusive...four and five lobed fruit have produce most of the biggies, cause most of the pkns grown have four or five lobes!!! Lot's of folks like to try and pollinate a 6 lober, if they have one!!! Hope this lack of conclusive information helps!!! LOL Peace, Wayne

6/8/2010 12:11:43 AM

Jasper, Indiana

got it.....4, 5, or 6 lobes. It's starting to get exciting. Hopefully I will be pollinating within 2 weeks.

Mains are at 13' now....biggest secondaries are at 10'.

6/8/2010 6:52:31 AM

Owensboro, Ky.

BH, the timing b/tween first notice of female, and pollination day depends a lil bit on how close you are looking!!! If you notice the female when the fruit is the size of a marble...you aren't looking close enough!!! I would dare guess that Linus see's em when they are a lot smaller than a pea!!! With some experience, you will be able to tell that they will open the next day!!! Approx the size of a ping pong ball?? Blossom sorta puckers and shows a lil orange. Wish you the best!!! Cover that night, and also cover a few males...to keep pure pollination!!! Peace, Wayne

6/8/2010 11:44:50 PM

Menomonie, WI (mail@gr8pumpkin.net)

Watch for the Pucker then the next morning you are in business

6/9/2010 1:21:50 PM

Jasper, Indiana

Thanks everyone....I will definitely cover for pure pollination.

Question....I have a female at 12' and another at 14'. Is this too close to try to pollinate both?

6/10/2010 6:41:49 AM

West Central Indiana

not unless you're planning on keeping both. if not, then go ahead and pollinate both, then cull the weaker one in about a week or so. If you plan on growing both to keep, make sure they are on different sides of the vine because they could rub up against each other if they're on the same side

6/10/2010 12:16:06 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

BH, I would certainly pollinate both, and prbly the next one too!!! Oddities, beyond anyone's (that I know of) control, sometimes make pollinated pkns abort!!! Pollinate several, watch for a week of so, and then pick what you think is the winner!!! Peace, Wayne

6/12/2010 1:27:05 AM

Jasper, Indiana

Thanks Wayne....the second one will be pollinated in a couple of days.

6/14/2010 8:54:20 AM