Growing Pumkins........problems.

[merton69]

This is the second year I have attempted to grow Pumpkins.

For the second time, the plant grows really well, producing yellow flowers etc but no actual Pumpkin fruit.

What am I doing incorrectly and what can be done about it please?

[Clanad]

In a word... pollination... or actually lack thereof. Most pumpkins set both male and female flowers. The female is told by the swelling at the base of the flower. I suspect the U.K. like a lot of the rest of the world (and especially here in the U.S.) is experiencing a lack of bees for pollinaiton.

Since your vines have both male and female flowers, try pollinating them by hand. Have a smallish (1 inch wide), new paint brush... the cheapest you can find. Locate the male flower and swipe the paint brush through the center of th elfower and then use tha tpollin to brush onto two or three female flowers. Do this as often as you have the stamina for...

Good luck!

[merton69]

Thanks for that but last year, we only had one sex on the vine. Sounds weird but true. And as far as I can see, it's the same this year.

I will have another look tomorrow morning.

[Maydup]

Yes you need bees, next year it would be worth growing some lavender somewhere close by or even dead nettles which they love.

[merton69]

Thanks for your help and advice.

I have had a look and I can't seem to find a flower with a swelling below it!!