From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Finksburg, Md

After pollinating I used a rubber band to keep the flower closed. My question is how long do I leave the rubber band on for and should I eventually remove the petals from the blossom and if so when should that be done? Any help would be appreciated, I feel like a nervous father of a newborn. Thanks, Joe

7/1/2011 8:02:24 PM

Coventry R.I.

Joe,,, I use white string,, I keep it on till I see the flower browning, and MAKE SURE the pumpkin shinning.
then peel off,,,, then clean the top off with a napkin, say 2/3 days,,, Works for me,,,,,lol

7/1/2011 9:33:40 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

Frank, sorry to disagree, but here it is, as the way I understand it... the day that I pollinate, the ties, whatever they are...come off that day. And usually the petals get peeled off also. Leaving them on longer will create a hot humid environment which will cause prblms!!! Peace, Wayne
Joe, remember...we (Frank & I) are in WAY different climate zones!!!

7/2/2011 3:12:58 AM

Muddy Waters

yeah sounds right PW I tear off next day to leave open to breathe

7/2/2011 5:54:50 AM

Www.extremepumpkinstore.com

I have always left the tie or clamp on several days, like Frank 4, I usually wait until I see the flower browning, then gently peel it off.
Wayne, you have a good point though, different geographical areas may dictate that you remove it sooner.
When I first started growing, I removed the flower the day after pollination and the fruit aborted, although I am sure that this was probably a coincedence, I am gun shy and leave the fruit alone for a few days before I mess with it.

7/2/2011 7:24:07 AM

Coventry R.I.

I,m with you Tom,,,Wayne your right different climate zones!!!

7/2/2011 8:41:30 AM

Duxbury,Ma.

How about using nylons,then the flower can open on its own be pollenated and remain open like nature would have it. With the nylon still on and the flower protected it would do its own thing.

7/2/2011 12:53:29 PM

Finksburg, Md

It was in the 90's here today, so I think I will remove the petals first thing in the morning. Thanks for all the help. I have my fingers crossed. Thanks Joe

7/2/2011 9:09:38 PM

Joliet, IL

last year in the high heat and humidity i had one that the petals were removed 2 days after pollination and the lobe tips were already very slimy and browning and needed to be addressed with a fan and captan. in the old days i left the petals on longer and some were fine and some needed a knife to remove rotten lobes if needed and use a fan and captan. this year all petals were removed the following morning by just cutting them off with scissors and leaving about a little under a half inch ring of petals still attached to dry up on their own no aborts this year if the females made it to pollination. temperatures were in my favor on pollinations which was a key but i still used ice bottles and fans even when temps were below 80 to microclimatize. i have lost a pumpkin from a rotten nub in the past so these are definately things to be discussed at this stage of the game for all those with recent pollinations.

7/3/2011 8:35:03 AM

Www.extremepumpkinstore.com

go info Shazzy

7/3/2011 10:00:12 AM

Www.extremepumpkinstore.com

good* Info

7/3/2011 10:00:22 AM

Ashby, MA

Will the pumpkin ever abort because you removed the flower peddles too soon? I pollinated a flower yesterday morning. This morning I removed the rubber band holding the flower peddles together and put a step stool over the flower to keep it cool. I did not remove the peddles though. Maybe I'll do that tonight.

7/3/2011 12:27:18 PM