From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Illinois

Out of 10 pollinated females 7 have aborted. The plants themselves look good and actively growing. The pumpkins reach the size of a large softball and then shut down. PUZZLED I have a good spray program and all females were hand pollinated.

7/4/2014 12:26:16 PM

Anamosa, IA BPIowegian@aol.com

I had a problem with one plant that did that last year. It was either genetic or too much nitrogen. I think it was the N.

7/4/2014 1:05:54 PM

Minnesota

I had that problem last year and it was the heat.

7/4/2014 5:01:21 PM

Buffalo, MN (Billsbigpumpkins@hotmail.com)

make sure you pollinate in the morning by 10. If the temp is over 85 or if male and female flowers are not covered and it rains they will not pollinate. If you cover with cups use white Styrofoam, they will stay cooler. You can also try to shade your female after pollination. Stop using any nitrogen based spray several weeks before pollination begins.

7/4/2014 7:22:12 PM

Eugene,OR

Some plants just won't grow fruit. They will grow a couple weeks & abort. Don't know why.

7/5/2014 12:57:29 AM

Illinois

I am trying to grow good numbers. 1874 1789 1784 1783 1779 1756 1652 1409 I feel these should really produce. Past two days I have pollinated 5 plants. The two lone survivors 1874 and 1756 look like they may produce

7/5/2014 8:39:03 PM

Hinckley MN

Frozen jug of water next to the flower may help

7/5/2014 9:22:35 PM

Illinois

I used frozen jugs of water with 8 inch fans

7/5/2014 9:45:31 PM

Canada

Frozen bottles around fruit and keep covered from direct sun for a few days helps. I also don't do any sprays of any kind a week before or after pollination specially fertilizers and I do agree with the before 10am pollination. Its been real hot here and knock on wood all my pollinations look ok as of tonight.

7/6/2014 11:39:42 PM

Braceville, IL

I had same probem couple years ago. To much nitrogen was my problem. They pollinated perfect got to about softball size and aborted.

7/10/2014 6:22:35 PM