RE: A little help ....Please
In the days since my first posting about pollination, I have been taught
a better way to pollinate, courtesy of Kyle Little, who is more
experienced in pumpkining than I.
This is what Kyle says to do...
When the males appear, clip them off. They will attract bugs, and you
don't want bugs. Carefully peel the petals off the flowers until you
have an unprotected stamen. Shake off as many grains of pollen as you
can into some sort of small storage container, such as a clean test tube
(people who work in the health industry can usually come by these easily
enough). Label the container so you know which plant your pollen came
from, then put it in the freezer until you need it.
I like his method of pollen preservation better than the method I
described before; it takes less space in the fridge, and you can store
it longer.
Also, he says to let it thaw for 15 minutes or so before using it.
My opinion on your questions...
1. 5-6 feet is too close. I would pollinate it for kicks, then cull it
at about volleyball size.
2. If you did not hand pollinate, assume that it did not get a good
pollinating.
3. 12 feet is a nice distance. Pollinate it and everything after 10
feet. If something goes wrong at the 12 footer, the ones beyond 12 feet
can replace it if need be. You may find that you like the one at 18
feet better than the one at 12.
4. It is OK. See above.
Hope I was helpful.
Toby
mr-sprout@sbcglobal.net
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-pumpkins@hort.net [o*@hort.net] On Behalf
Of BMas1001@aol.com
Sent: Wednesday, June 23, 2004 6:37 PM
To: pumpkins@hort.net
Subject: A little help ....Please
Hi All;
I would appreciate any help I can get.....................
1. I have two pumpkins both about 5-6 foot from the root
ball. I
assume this is to close, but not sure. Would this not cause to much
stress
on the pumpkin?
2. One of these has already blossomed and at this time there
are
no males open. Can I assume that this probably did not get a good
pollination?
3. I have another pumpkin about 12 feet out from the root
ball.
Is this a good distance?
4. Is it OK to freeze male blossoms, as some are ready to
open
and my new female is not ready yet?
That you for all your help.......................
Tony C.
Fairport, NY
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