From

Location

Message

Date Posted

United States

Once you have your pumpkin begins growing, do you cull all future male flowers? I understand that you should remove all the extra female flowers to concentrate the plant's energy on the main fruit. Would the male flowers also be considered wasted energy?
Thanks

10/26/2022 7:33:53 PM

Plymouth, MN

I try to remove flowers after I'm all in om a fruit. Aside from the energy question the spent flowers can be a source of decay and beacon for undesirable pests like borers.

10/26/2022 8:59:18 PM

Roseville CA

If I am going to be compacting soil and braking leafs it is not really worth it. I would focus more on the pop-ups than the male flowers.

10/26/2022 10:47:28 PM

United States

What do you mean by "pop-ups"?

10/27/2022 4:53:46 AM

Muddy Waters

I think he means teritariary (3rd dary vines) (I aint much for spelling 12$ words )as pop ups. I dont worry about male flowers as far as wasting energy, however save the bees if using WP75 for vine borers.You will kill the bees when they get tainted pollen from your systemic treatments.You can grow a 2000 lber with male flowers on a plant.But if you dont need them pinch them off its just best to save energy bees & mess

10/27/2022 5:15:04 AM

Muddy Waters

Einstein said if we loose the Bees. The world will starve in 4 years

10/27/2022 5:16:09 AM

Grittyville, WA

I forget exactly, but I think I weighed a large male blossom @ 40 grams? So a dozen would equal a pound or so.

10/27/2022 6:56:02 AM

Muddy Waters

Dont smoke them the merit leaves a nasty resin

10/28/2022 5:44:36 AM

Kutztown, PA

I removed every flower bud, every tendril, and every tertiary vine as I buried them. I found that not having so many flowers the cucumber beetle population was significantly reduced. Also, the cuc beetles that did show up where easy to take care of as they all congregated by the flowers that I left for pollination. I didn't see any SVB's this year either, I expect for the same reason. The problem I had by removing so many males is I was pretty nervous when pollination time came around that I might not have a male flower. It all worked out though. I guess the energy saved from every sink you remove has to go somewhere. In theory, early on it goes the the roots/plant, later the pumpkin. Does it make any difference - don't know. That's just what I did this year. Another thing is you can reduce the amount of rotting plant parts falling to the ground if you cut the triad off as you go. Triad being, buds, tendrils, and tertiaries.

10/28/2022 8:43:14 AM

Kutztown, PA

Made up the "Triad" thing.:) Could have called them the "Bermuda Triangle" or the "Unholy Trio". :)

10/28/2022 8:45:30 AM

Grittyville, WA

Lol Bubba. Yep, this is where genetic engineering would be good, we could make some real play dough!!!

10/28/2022 3:40:54 PM

Muddy Waters

I never cut off tendrils they are the kickstand that holds the vine upright just my way you might not like it. thats ok

10/31/2022 6:11:52 PM

Kutztown, PA

I cut off the entire triad this year, but I'm wondering do people treat the wounds with something or just burry the vines. I've heard some folks say they cut them off then wait a day or so for them to heal over. I haven't had any problems with vines falling over without tendrils I guess because I bury them as I cut the triad off. I noticed if you leave even a smidgeon of the tertiary tissue you will get vine growth later.

Bubba, what happens to the tendrils after burial?

11/1/2022 8:23:49 AM

Grittyville, WA

I'm with bubba, they keep the vines from rolling over.

11/3/2022 12:41:10 AM