From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Vancouver Island, British Columbia

Hello, I was wondering how far down the main fine is too far when pollinating a pumpkin?

I have heard that the best distance is between 10 and 15 feet…

So far I only have one little pumpkin at 13' 7" .... and I was wondering if I would be successful at growing large one past 15' ?

Thanks for any help
Joe

6/7/2016 9:04:45 PM

Austin MN

Yes I had one that was growing like crazy split on me last year at about 18ft out it was pollinated on the 17ish of July could have made 1400+ if did not split.

6/7/2016 9:28:25 PM

WNC Usa

I don't see why not.

6/7/2016 9:28:41 PM

Vancouver Island, British Columbia

Great thanks!

6/7/2016 10:38:56 PM

Cincinnati,OH

That would depend on the date. If you are 13' 7" right now you could still wait another 10 days and have a even bigger plant.

6/8/2016 9:08:43 PM

Zurich Ont Canada

Joe I would assume that your weather stays milder than most of Canada later in the fall. If that is the case a later pollination has potential. Good luck.

6/8/2016 9:55:15 PM

Nova Scotia

Hi Joe, lots of people have different opinions, but a lot of people feel that you can get to far from main root system. personally I like 12-15' others prefer 14-16'. that being said you may miss your next 2 females, so to be safe I would pollunate your 13 footer and if you are able to pollunate a better one at 16' go with it. all the best

6/9/2016 5:02:10 PM

Menomonie, WI (mail@gr8pumpkin.net)

Pollinate them all until you have a keeper. I have seen to many grower cut off early females and never be able to get a pumpkin set further on the plant and have to go with a secondary.

6/10/2016 7:42:55 AM

Upa Creek, MO

I agree with Mr T and Linus 100%. I have cut pollinated females on the main and was left chasing dreams 20+ feet out and then on a secondary. You never know if the ones down the line will take or how many opportunities you'll have. Pollinate all, consider location, position, lobe # and lobe symmetry and then decide.

6/10/2016 8:06:53 AM

Warwood

10-18' pollinate all the females and wait for the best one, the one growing at the best rate. Consider strongly it's shape as many blow that are irregular shape. Personally if I had a good female at 8' it would get pollinated as you can also pollinate the next 2-3 and hope for the best. Consider the female flower shape and health as this also makes a difference. I also try and find the best male flowers and pollinate each female with 3 male flowers if I can. Make sure you get the pollen all over,in and around the lobes of the female, helps to pollinate all the chambers of the fruit.

6/19/2016 9:01:39 AM