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Pumpkins, Squash & Gourds

Rain and Pollination

11 years ago

It is rainy today and will be for the next couple of days. I have a female pumpkin blossom that I think will open tomorrow.

In general we have tons of busy bees but am assuming they will not be out tomorrow morning if it is raining hard. Can I hand pollinate in the rain? Should I do the taping?

Thanks

Jen

Comments (3)

jen1996
Original Author
11 years ago
So I tried the hand pollination.
I did not have the wide tape so I used a couple of strips of standard masking tape.
Perhaps it was not wide enough. When I went out the following moring the huge female was trying to burst open. I ripped the flower somewhat. I could not close the female back up right away without completely ruining the blossom so I waited until she
it was a bit more relaxed then taped it back .... there were a couple of bees on it during that time so I can't really take the credit. But the pumpkin is growing.

J
Daniel Jolly
3 years ago
How long can you leave the tape on for?

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