About 3 weeks ago it began blooming. Yes it is late but I was super excited that we may just get a pumpkin. Unfortunately the blooms would open and then just fall right off. No pumpkin. I tried manually pollinating them thinking that the bees were not doing their job (damn lazy bees) but it was still a no go. I just could not figure out why we were not getting any fruit. So like any normal gardener I hit up Google. What I love about the internet is that you can find an answer to ANY question. Turns out there are 2 types of flowers that bloom on a pumpkin plant, a male and a female. Obviously you need both in order to make a pumpkin and to my disappointment (and further examination of the blooms) I have nothing but male flowers on my plant. I have lost hope for a pumpkin.
So how can you tell if your buds are male or female?
The female bud will have a little bulb growing under the flower. The male will not.
Male Bud
Female Bud
And that's a little pumpkin 101 for those who didn't know....... like me!
ps: this applies to all squashes and cucumbers apparently
I'm a zucchini veteran, and you're right, zucchinis work the same way. You can tell as soon as the little flowers shoot up whether you'll get a zucchini or not. But I've never had an exclusively male or female zucchini. I planted a pumpkin once, and while I eventually got a couple the size of a cantaloupe, I think the problem with our area is that the nights are too cool. B.
ReplyDeleteNeat, I had no idea there were two different flower types... But do not despair, even you never get a pumpkin... there are lots of tastey recipies for the flowers (zucchini flowers too)...my nana makes a mean flower fritata. Anyways, saying hello, one Calgary Blogger to another!
ReplyDeleteReally?! I had no idea you could eat the flowers. I think I may google some recipes. I would hate to have them go to waste. Thanks Sara!
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