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Vancouver Island, British Columbia

Hello, here's a link to a pumpkin on the main vine

http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=258088

It's about 1 1/2 time the size of a golf ball. I gave it a gentle squeeze and it's hard.... But what I was wondering is… Is there anyway to tell if the pollination took?

I pollinated it myself but I'm not sure if it took, the male flowers were very damp. The female was open about one third of the way, it was just about to rain so I kinda opened the flower the rest of the way and pollinated it.

After that I put a Ziploc bag over it and left it on for two or three days while it rained.

I have no idea at what stage An unpollinated pumpkin goes mushy..

Thank you for any help

6/20/2016 9:33:40 PM

Upa Creek, MO

Looks like it might have took, but what's the DAP (days after pollination)? Temp plays a factor in early growth. I've noticed growers up in BC tend to start slower out the gates after pollination, but catch up when it counts. Also don't squeeze it and you need to gently remove those rotting flower petals ASAP. Leave the lobes underneath it and it will turn into a white button on the end.

6/20/2016 10:32:43 PM

Mill Bay, British Columbia

Good advice Luke...

Joe, as long as it is shiney and growing a bit each day, it looks like a keeper to me too. Like Luke said, gently get rid of the dried up flower, and no more squeezing...

Take a look at the local diaries from myself, Richmond Dave, Spambie, and the other Boyz so you know what to expect as she starts to swell and grow.

6/20/2016 11:18:11 PM

Vancouver Island, British Columbia

Hi and thanks guys!
It was pollinated 8 days ago, since we've had little sunshine...mostly cold and rainy.
I have noticed some growth though..

6/20/2016 11:31:44 PM

Vancouver Island, British Columbia

Also I will check out your diaries .....great advise ..thank-you!

6/20/2016 11:35:03 PM

Minnesota([email protected])

Joe,
If it's 8 days after pollination, it's slow out of the gate if it took. Is it on the main vine? If so, I recommend pollinating the next couple females to open next on the main vine, as insurance. They may end up being faster growers than this one.
You could measure the pumpkin each day to see if it is still growing. Do you have a measuring tape? If not, you could take a piece of twine or yarn, and measure the circumference of it. Just be very careful if you do this, as the pumpkin will scratch quite easily. Good luck!

6/21/2016 12:34:59 AM

Vancouver Island, British Columbia

Thanks Doug! Yes it's on the main vine
I will carefully measure it. I do have a soft tape and will be gentle.

I have another pumpkin ahead of this one at about 14.5' on the main that's due to be pollinated in about 3-4 day I would say..

I have a pumpkin on a secondary that's about the size of a baseball that's 10 days old

Thx again

6/21/2016 12:58:36 AM