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Fort Jennings, Ohio

I harvested some male flowers today, as my next female won't open for a couple of days. Protected them overnight, then cut them off this morning and let them bloom inside. Then I harvested the pollen by brushing it off into little jars. Does anyone know how to best store this pollen?

7/4/2017 10:49:33 AM

Central NY

I know it could be stored for a little bit but you should use freshly opened flowers...

7/4/2017 4:19:56 PM

Fort Jennings, Ohio

I know it has been done before, but how do they store the pollen until it is time to use it? Just cool and dry? Refrigerate?

7/4/2017 10:59:00 PM

Central NY

Check out this thread
http://www.bigpumpkins.com/MsgBoard/ViewThread.asp?b=3&p=605328

7/5/2017 8:44:04 AM

Menomonie, WI (mail@gr8pumpkin.net)

It is not viable after 8 hours.

7/5/2017 1:49:55 PM

Fort Jennings, Ohio

Thanks all. I have some pollen that will be 44 hrs old tomorrow morning. I will mix that with pollen from 2 fresh flowers I covered in the patch tonight. The female at 15' should open in the morning.

7/5/2017 10:24:58 PM

Central NY

Gross..

7/6/2017 7:16:56 AM

50 Acres

Forget about the old stuff, just use the new and fresh

7/6/2017 8:03:05 AM

Central Illinois

I think you can add flour to male pollen to make it spread farther ,I wouldnt see a need for this with pumpkins in less you have multiple females and only one male.

I checked a pot site...For a pollen carrier, heat about 2 or 3 teaspoons of flour in an oven to 180F for about 20 mins or in a small pot set on low heat, let it cool *thoroughly*, and mix with the pollen to dilute it. I use a ratio of about 1/4 tsp pollen to 3 tsp flour and have very successful pollination rates. Store in small containers like contact lens cases excluding as much air as possible and store in the fridge for long term storage.

7/6/2017 9:41:04 AM

Eastern Pennsylvania

The two new males will be more than sufficient to pollinate the female. Honestly just one would be enough.

7/6/2017 12:50:58 PM

Menomonie, WI (mail@gr8pumpkin.net)

Why do people ask for advice? If they are not going to take it...................

7/6/2017 1:07:44 PM

Fort Jennings, Ohio

Ummm, I did use fresh pollen...

7/6/2017 10:58:36 PM

Fort Jennings, Ohio

Oh, and on my "pollen" plant, I had a female ready this morning, and all I had for her for the cross I wanted to make was 44 hr old pollen, so I thought "what the heck, for shites and grins. I did read somewhere where someone had luck with stored pollen for up to 4 days. So we will see if that takes....

7/6/2017 11:04:51 PM

JACKSON, WISCONSIN. ; )

I store my pollen on the plant until
The morning I need to use it ... I was once told all it takes is one grain of pollen but I am unsure if I believe that but who knows I'm no scientist I have used one male plenty of times

7/7/2017 1:03:23 AM

Menomonie, WI (mail@gr8pumpkin.net)

One grain...is all it takes

7/9/2017 9:00:23 AM

Owensboro, Ky.

How would anyone separate one grain of pollen, how many grains of pollen on one male? I pick males that will open the next day & put them inside...put em in a sunny window, and plenty ready to go when female is ready... also covered the night b/4..., 7am or so. No problems so far! Peace, Wayne
PS...not sure why this is becoming so difficult. Pick or cover males the night b/4 female is going to open!

7/10/2017 12:59:10 AM

JACKSON, WISCONSIN. ; )

Right Wayne why make it so hard ... I was always told the kiss method is best

7/10/2017 1:15:20 AM