From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Jasper, Indiana

Since July 4 I have had several pollination chances and have not set a melon yet. Are there preferred steps to take to improve the chances for success? Does anyone use fans, ice, and shade? I am sure the excessive heat was a major factor and this week is much cooler so upcoming females may be easier to set.

7/9/2012 6:16:22 AM

Rochester, Minnesota

I set a solid quart sized bag of ice next to each of the female flowers right after I pollinate them, and then drape a blanket over them to keep the cool in. I pollinated great melons all the way through the heat wave here, and I am sitting the best I have sat for years for pollinated fruit.

I have added this to my local copy of my tips and techniques document, because I 100% believe it works.

7/9/2012 10:18:33 AM

Muddy Waters

I shade fruit,Never had to use ice or fans.

7/9/2012 6:06:43 PM

Jasper, Indiana

I have noticed it is really hard to see the pollen on my male flowers unlike the excessive pollen on pumpkin male flowers.

I hand pollinated 6 females and used many males on each but I still can't see much polen.

7/10/2012 5:36:33 AM

Rochester, Minnesota

I stopped looking for the pollen when my eye sight went out. I never think to bring my reading glasses. :-) It's there, but yes, it's hard to see.

7/10/2012 10:07:19 AM

sevierville, Tn

The bees take the pollen fast, there is alot there when they 1st open if the flower is covered or inside, try it ! Don't need any glasses to see it.
Just like pumpkins, if its very hot(over 90), need to keep the female cool to be sure of a set.

7/10/2012 1:14:39 PM