From

Location

Message

Date Posted

N S W Australia

just wondering, should i take off all the male flowers, now that all of my fruit are set? and is it an advantage to the growing fruit if they are taken off?? thank you.

11/21/2015 6:26:54 PM

Central NY

I vote yes .. Keep up with snipping them off as best you can without disturbing growing area...

11/22/2015 7:56:02 AM

East Jordan, MI

be VERY careful when making this decision.

If you have to set another pumpkin in the future due to some unfortunate reason, you wont have any pollen. My first year I removed all flowers two days before the pumpkin split, and I had to wait 10 days to get flowers so I could set another pumpkin. Always be prepared for the unknown.

I don't think that there is a major advantage by removing all flowers. As a matter of fact if you let them get to the day before blooming I think it keeps the plant thinking its going to grow another pumpkin, so it may keep it more vigorous -- just a theory.

HOWEVER,
we do remove the blossoms the night before they bloom for two other reasons.
1. We use systemic insecticides and don't want to harm the bees.
2. The blossoms attract cucumber beetles and SVB.

11/22/2015 8:40:08 AM

Sourthern Utah

i have to agree with cntryboy.. as i have had the same misfortune, as he stated, Curt

11/22/2015 11:00:53 AM

Central NY

For sure.. Don't screw yerself...things always come up

11/22/2015 1:56:32 PM