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San Diego

Wouldn't you know that the one day I need a male flower to pollinate my main vine pumpkin in the perfect spot, there will be no male flowers tomorrow when the pumpkin opens. I got up at 6:30 am and cut off a fresh male flower, put it in a zip lock baggie in the fridge. What are the odds of using it for pollination. I have heard of growers doing it before, but I am skeptical it will work. Any experience? Thanks, Jim

5/9/2008 9:34:28 PM

San Diego

The flower will be one day old tomorrow when I use it to pollinate, just wanted to make that clear:)

5/9/2008 9:35:20 PM

Whidbey Island

And we had a frost this morning, jeeze!

5/9/2008 9:50:02 PM

South Bloomfield, Ohio

I'm not sure about placing it in the fridge, but I cut males due to open the evening before they do and place the stem in water. I also keep in it a dry place so the pollen is dry the next morning.

It damn sure couldn't hurt to try and pollinate with it. I know that females are only good the evening before or the day they open. Give it a shot and keep us posted.

5/9/2008 9:52:19 PM

Denver, CO

I have done what you are stating lots of times and have been able to pollinate wihtout many problems. But I cant say for certian that it does not affect the chances.

5/9/2008 10:02:30 PM

Simi valley, ca

Duster i am not sure what ya mean ? If the male flower you picked was oppening that morning you picked it ? If yes than id say in fridge is your best bet & would probly be ok ! I used to pick some males (at night)& keep in fridge & use them 2 days later- just take them out & put in warm water & let warm a bit before useing <<< I have pollenated and they took that way ,, I think yours will take !

5/10/2008 2:11:28 AM

Windsor, Ontario, Canada

I think the viability of the pollen will be almost 0 after 24 hours. It declines pretty quickly. I could be completely wrong though, lol.

Worst case, if you really want that fruit to be pollinated, you should be able to pollinate it with another similar cucurbit like a squash(not sure how many cucurbuts would be a successful pollinator). That is if all you want is a pumpkin, but that would rule out a specific genetic crosses, or further, the future of that seed at all (wouldn't get grown).

5/10/2008 9:25:21 AM

Windsor, Ontario, Canada

Reading the other responses, I guess you would be ok. I thought I remember seeing that somewhere though. Oh well. Hopefully it turns out good for you regardless.

5/10/2008 10:00:57 AM

San Diego

thanks for the info guys. I pollinated with the 24 old flower and the pollen seemed fluffy and normal,so we will see what happens!

5/10/2008 12:33:00 PM