| I planted 2 pumpkin plants, which seem to be thriving, each with several flowers and beautiful, large leaves. However, the flowers are all falling off, leaving no |
| It's true - your pumpkin plants will need bees or wasps (or other flying insects) to pollinate the open flowers. If there is no insect activity in your garden, the flowers won't be pollinated. Pumpkin vines develop two different types of flowers. The first flowers to open are male. Then the plants will produce female flowers. Pollen must be transferred from the male to the female flowers in order for the females to set fruit. The male flowers are attached to the stem by a straight stem; the female flowers have a swelling directly behind the flower petals. If you can identify the different flowers, you can cut a male flower off the plant and touch the insides of the male flower to the insides of a female flower. This will transfer pollen and the plant will produce a pumpkin. Best wishes with your plants! |
