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Denver, CO

Is there anyone who is able on a CONSISTENT basis to get pumpkins to set in temps 95 and above? I am 0 for 4 using a styrofoam cooler and blocks of ice, with whole plant misting during the day. It sucks to see hundreds of pounds go by the way side as I wait for the next pollination. I dont feel completley bad as the bees are only 1 for 6 themseleves!

7/16/2008 8:11:02 PM

Denver, CO

geo. napa , did your ice house idea work?

7/16/2008 8:14:33 PM

Somers, CT

I usually water in the afternoon to cool them off. I was pretty lucky this year.

7/16/2008 8:54:40 PM

Boise City, Oklahoma, USA

I've been doing them in morning, with afternoons hitting 95-105 F with no ice. Just shade that bloom from the day before you bag until after you take bag off... and make sure you water in afternoon or mist to keep things cool. And I went to using 3-6 bagged males from same donor plant to make sure I get enough pollen in there. I've set with one but more seems to get a fully plump set...

Then shade until you decide to keep fruit, then build that shelter. YMMV

7/16/2008 9:06:29 PM

Simi valley, ca

This yr temps where a concern, As they usly are! But iv got 4 Out of 4 that took & one that was not given as much attention that did not- But was not planned to be keeper anyways,, High temps of day were 95* to 102* (on different poll days). Heres what i do, But realize not everyone could do this Iv been off work this 2 weeks , Ok first what i feel is important, #1 shade area around pumpkin ahead of time like from time pumpkin is bearly able to be seen , as high temps WILL make the little pumpkins not even able to accept pollen! I shade using 3x5 & 3 ft tall Shade, also use a umbrella over vine before pumpkin or after depending on place relivent to sun -or move to other side of main shade ,(for more cooling) then day before pollenatinn keep plant as little stressed as possable, buy watering a few times during heat of day,& especily the day of pollenation, but i also keep misters on (foggers some call them) also wait till it starts getting warm to put ice under styrofome chest- not touching pumpkin or on top of main , like 4 inchs away , Do NOT compleatly cover with chest leave one end up a couple Inches, Condensation could also be bad ! one more ice jug 1 ft before pumpkin , close to main but atleast 4 Inches away,. also pollenate early unless its under 60* I try for 7;00- 7;30 ,, also keep ground wet from vine ends several feet , few times a day, , A lot yes! But Four for four !! this yr !!!

7/17/2008 1:20:30 AM

Simi valley, ca

Ps i cant help thinking that if you have not shaded area several days ahead, pumpkins get fryed ,But you can usely tell by looking at them! ATLEAST get 2 umbrellas !!! & lots water in whole area (except not in female) !!

7/17/2008 1:29:27 AM

Buffalo, New York

i still dont understand, you do you know if a pumpkin took a pollination or not?

7/17/2008 1:50:21 AM

Colorado

g-man,

I'm 3 of 4 over the last 2 years in 95+ weather, and the same weather you have. tried one today too at 98+. I have had better luck with shade/mist/ice rather than cooler/mist/ice. under the shade with air circulation they seem to do better than in the cooler with no air circulation. my plants are also in the shade after 3 PM, not sure if that helps me or not.

I also tie them with yarn- no plastic covers on the females.

I also shade the tip of the main vine.

I also pollinate no later than 6:30 AM when its still cool out.

they seem to consistently take using this method regardless of temp in the afternoon. I also protect them from our crazy winds.

7/17/2008 1:53:10 AM

Midway, UT

Greg - sorry to hear about the troubles. I think a lot of it depends on the plants genetics. Some pumpkins seem to like 95 degrees and others do better around 80 degrees. Like you, all of my pollinations took place exactly when we've had those 95 degree days and I've been fortunate so far. I didn't do anything different than you with the ice and misting.

7/17/2008 12:53:18 PM

Denver, CO

Thanks guys. That watering and shading from the time they are small peas, I have been doing. It sounds like there may be a component to the air circulation that I had not be aware of before. Fisssh and Longmont Pete each are using this effect with good results but I Have not been. I wil try it tommorrow, temps are to be 100 degrees !!!!
Thanks

7/19/2008 12:07:06 AM