skip to main content

Pumpkins, Squash & Gourds

Is it ok to pick the male blossoms after they have closed?

11 years ago

Last week I posted about cucumber beetles. I have been mostly catching them (with tape wrapped aroung my fingers) and squishing them. I did cautiously put some soap on the leaves .... but not as directed. I was nervous about killing bees and other beneficial bugs. Since then I am mostly seeing the cucumber beetles in the blossoms and it seems more so after the blossoms have closed. Am also seeing the aphids more on the blossoms now rather than the leaves.

Is there any reason why I should not remove the male blossoms after they have closed?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

jen1996
Original Author
11 years ago
Thanks.
They are actually easier for me to get while on the stem. Many are hard to get to once they fall.
Sid23
11 years ago
I agree with you Jen. I go out in mid evening and go to all the male blossoms to get the beetles! They are mostly all in one spot then! This is what mine look like in the evening.
Related Professionals
Folsom Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · South Elgin Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Anderson Landscape Contractors · Bridgeview Landscape Contractors · Cockeysville Landscape Contractors · Conroe Landscape Contractors · Hannibal Landscape Contractors · Hickory Hills Landscape Contractors · McLean Landscape Contractors · Ronkonkoma Landscape Contractors · Vacaville Landscape Contractors · 07920 Landscape Contractors · Merrifield Landscape Contractors · South Pasadena Roofing & Gutters · Ojus Roofing & Gutters
Sid23
11 years ago
I am just infested with everything this year. Mild winter, chemical free gardening I don't know but I have it all and have it bad. Every male flower in the evening looks like this. I spray them with the same soapy water I spray the squash bugs with. Curious though, they hardly touch the female flowers.
Jen1996 are yours this bad?

Related Stories

COLOR Color of the Week: Spring Blossom Yellow

By Jennifer Ott Design

Tired of winter yet? Bring on spring with our featured color of the week

FRONT YARD IDEAS Before and After: Front Lawn to Prairie Garden

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

How they did it: Homeowners create a plan, stick to it and keep the neighbors (and wildlife) in mind

HOUZZ TV Houzz TV: This Maker‘s Home Makes Everything OK

By Nanette Wong

Maker Aleksandra Zee finds inspiration in a common building material and the serenity of home. Watch our latest episode of Houzz TV

BEFORE AND AFTERS Before and After: 19 Dramatic Bathroom Makeovers

By Becky Harris

See what's possible with these examples of bathroom remodels that wow

MOST POPULAR 9 Real Ways You Can Help After a House Fire

By Alison Hodgson

Suggestions from someone who lost her home to fire — and experienced the staggering generosity of community

GARDENING GUIDES Backyard Birds: Orioles Return After Spending Winter in the Tropics

By Habitat Network

These colorful songbirds prefer woodlands and forest edges, but they’ll visit yards with fruit-producing trees and shrubs

DISASTER PREP & RECOVERY Houzz Tour: Family Rebuilds Home and Community After Hurricane Sandy

By Becky Harris

This restored coastal New Jersey house — now raised 9 feet off the ground — offers inspiration for neighbors considering a return

GARDENING GUIDES Boxwood: Still Shape-Shifting After 350 Years

By Mary Jo Bowling

Wild or mild, the humble boxwood still brings style and order to all kinds of gardens

HOME TECH 7 Ways to Charge Up and Connect After Disaster

Products and tips for communicating and keeping essential items running till the power's back on

HOUZZ TOURS Houzz TV: See a Modern Family Farmhouse That Can Pick Up and Move

By Vanessa Brunner

In the latest episode of Houzz TV, watch California architect build a beautifully practical cabin to jumpstart his parents' new farm

Sponsored