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Location

Message

Date Posted

Auburn California

After the pumpkin is pollinated and tied off how long do you leave the flower attached to the pumpkin or how do you determine when to remove the flower portion off the pumpkin? Thanx in advance, Crane

7/1/2022 1:44:42 AM

Watlington, UK

Leave it on there. Why take it off? No need. If you take it off you risk causing damage that will allow fungal spores to enter which in turn will cause rot. I learned the hard way a few years ago!

7/1/2022 5:11:06 AM

Bethlehem CT

If by "flower" you mean petals, I take those off the next day after it is pollinated.

7/1/2022 8:13:52 AM

Kutztown, PA

Dry is always good when it comes to guarding against fungi.

7/1/2022 9:50:11 AM

Colorado

I cut the majority of it off at 48 hrs so it doesnt hold moisture between it and the lobes. The last 20% I peal off around day 5/6 when it wants to cooperate.

7/1/2022 5:45:34 PM

Auburn California

Thank you all that have responded and possibly those yet to come. It is very helpful for me to be able to talk out loud and get some answers back more than me just wondering what the right thing is to do, once again thank you, for your help, Crane

7/2/2022 12:59:44 AM

Lodi, California

Gerald I've found keeping it sealed with a zip tie can result in the stigma going soft. Opening it up allows airflow.

7/2/2022 2:02:49 AM

Syracuse, NY

It is like a banana - don't let it get too ripe nor open it before its time (nor until it's time, lol); I allow 2-3 days or until I've time to swing through and check the plant/pollination again - If I can pull on the wilted blossom (always has a zip tie on it still from pollination for me) and it seems to want to come off, separating from the ring at the base of the flower, then it is time. Also, if it doesn't come off over the stigma willingly, I'll separate the ring fully with my thumbnails and remove it that weigh, maybe even that weigh first. Final note - if slugs are going to town on it, yeah, I remove and toss it all a few feet away;
They're just doing their job also and indicating to me that that flower is 'done'. - eg

7/2/2022 3:27:38 AM