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Indianapolis, IN

this is my first (serious) season at growing giants and i am struggling with a lack of female flowers on my plants. i had a few set and within days the pumpkins died off.. i was not able to properly start the soil but it is virgin with good ph and nutrient levels. we have had a lot of hot weather in indianapolis (2 weeks above 90 with several more days to come) with not much precip. i would like to have a descent pumpkin for halloween since i'm assuming a competitive giant is out of the question by now.. any info would be great. (my seeds were mostly givin to me by the VanHook's.)

8/12/2007 6:02:59 PM

Cincinnati,OH

Too much nitrogen can cause a plant to give you nothing but males. It sounds like your females aborted so it could be the heat.

8/14/2007 6:45:01 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

70 days left till Halloween, try ice under cooler on top of female for a day or two pre and post pollination, then shade to keep the nu-B from cooking. Seems to be the solution for heat related aborts. Lots of switching of ice bottles, but the work is half the fun??? LOL Peace, Wayne
PS...cooler (styrofoam, is upside down on top of female)!!! LOL

8/16/2007 5:58:45 PM

Indianapolis, IN

thanks for the help!! i'm hoping to have a descent pumpkin for halloween... since the posting i have had 7 starts and staying on the vines... (crossing fingers) we have had a cool spell (below 85) for several days and have protected the female starts from the sun.. hoping this will work!! thanks again and good luck to any participating in the indiana state fair today!!

8/18/2007 1:31:33 AM