pumpkin problems

dith · Posted: Wed Jun 22, 2016 5:10 pm Post subject: pumpkin problems

my pumpkin plant initially had small developing pumpkins on it which dropped off when they got to golf ball size. Now it seems to be producing male flowers with no fruits. It's in a polytunnel. Please can someone tell me what I'm doing wrong and how to proceed?

Sue Deacon · Posted: Wed Jun 22, 2016 7:15 pm Post subject:

Never grown pumpkins, but had similar problems with courgettes grown in tubs. I think it was down to sudden changes in temp and watering (too wet/too dry).
Don't know if that helps?

dith · Posted: Wed Jun 22, 2016 7:26 pm Post subject:

Thanks Sue. I had same problem with courgettes last year. Thought I must be doing something wrong

Ado 2 · Posted: Wed Jun 22, 2016 7:55 pm Post subject:

The male flowers are produced first then a few weeks later female flowers are produced. You can pollinate them yourself ( look it up if you need to) Best to only leave a few fruits on if you want to get big plants

dith · Posted: Wed Jun 22, 2016 8:50 pm Post subject:

Thanks Ado 2. I'll keep persevering.

Greengage · Posted: Thu Jun 23, 2016 6:29 am Post subject:

This year I have got some seed of a Giant Pumpkin and hope to get a Big UN. Anyway your problem is caused by Poor pollination,You get both male and female flowers on the same plant, The female one have a small swelling at the back and the male flowers do not, When the female flowers open you have a very small window too get them pollinated six hours, if they are not polinated within this time the flowers will fall off and thats it. Yours are in a Poly tunnell so probably no Bumblebees in there to pollinate therefore you have to do it by hand, remove a male flower remove the petals carefully and ruub this around the inside of the female flower early in the day when the flowers are open. Once pollinated keep well fed Tomatoe food, then select your best pumpkin to nurture and remove the rest. There are lots of good videos on line to see how to grow the big ones.

tagwex · Posted: Thu Jun 23, 2016 8:29 am Post subject:

I managed to grow this beauty last year, first time of trying. Salt cellar is there for scale.

Sue Deacon · Posted: Thu Jun 23, 2016 8:34 am Post subject:

Nice one T. How did it TASTE?

tagwex · Posted: Thu Jun 23, 2016 8:37 am Post subject:

Lurrrrrrvely

Sue Deacon · Posted: Thu Jun 23, 2016 8:58 am Post subject:

Now I'm feeling hungry.

It doesn't help that I'm watching a programme about Ekiben, Japanese railway Bento boxes full of the most yummy looking food, and what do we (Brits) have - the (in)famous British Rail Butty. Something that could be used to prop up a wobbly table.