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Farming- a bunch of catastrophies that result in a lifestyle

I have noticed in some of the diary's of various growers what looks like the females petals have been removed when pollinating? May be I just don't know what I'm looking at, but is it good to do this? I've been leaving them on there, closed off w a zip tie till they turn brown then removing them. What effect does this have on the pumpkin? I've also noticed some people remove the flower after a certain period of time after pollination, how come?

6/23/2013 6:20:00 AM

The bottom of New Jersey

I don't think anyone removes female flower petals until about 2 days after pollination. You remove them at that point because the old petals can become slimy and start to rot the blossom end of the young fruit. Male petals are carefully removed when pollinating to make pollinating the female much easier. The way you are doing it is correct.

6/23/2013 8:54:47 AM

South Bloomfield, Ohio

I cut all but 1" of the petals all the way around prior to applying the pollen and cover the entire blossom with a small styrofoam cooler to keep it cool and keep unwanted insects out.

6/23/2013 11:19:25 AM

Centennial, Co.

Pumpkin Jesus....thanks so much for this reply...I just pollinated a kin, tied up the blossom and left it for a few days. Sure enough, when I untied it, slimy and rotted!!! I posted a question in General Discussion, but this answers it. Thank you thank you thank you!!!! Do we EVER stop learning???

7/10/2013 2:17:56 PM

west central IN/East central IL

With the heat and humidity I've been removing petals the next day. The ones I didn't the blossom end was almost completely soft and rotten.

7/10/2013 2:35:13 PM