Pumpkins

coffee drinker · ‎03-21-2010

For fun I'm growing (?) pumpkins. I planted just 6 seeds and if they do really grow, I'll have a nice crop. I have plenty of flowers, but wondered when will I see actual pumpkins growing? I'm assuming they will grow from where the flowers are budding. Any answers would be appreciated.

Sweetbay magnolia · ‎04-14-2013

I'm a novice at pumpkin growing. By accident this year we had plants come up from compost, from a pile I had thrown an old pumpkin in last year. Some of the vines were weak, so I winnowed it down to two vines, and there are two nice pumpkins ripening as we speak. It's been many weeks since they started to form. It is my understanding that there needs to be cross-pollination between the flowers in order for pumpkins to form. Do you have bee activity? Mine keep creating flowers and the bees flock to the nectar, but I think now the days are too short for any new "babies".

I noticed several times where pumpkins would attempt to form, and then perish. I would imagine it takes alot of energy for a vine to produce - maybe it was nature's way of signalling that "capacity" had been reached. It is truly fascinating to watch them grow. Aren't the vines gorgeous? Oh, and yes, the pumpkins grow at the end of the blossom. Keep looking - maybe they are hiding under those lush leaves.

Cogito ergo sum

Perkup · ‎03-09-2010

And just think - when all the other QVC folks are going pumpkin picking, you can just do it in your own yard. Lucky you!!

coffee drinker · ‎03-21-2010

Hi Magnolia & Perk,

Thanks for your replies. Yes, I do see lots of bee activity,but don't see anything any pumpkins, yet. I'll keep looking.

And now that Xmas in July is finally over, we can all concentrate on pumpkin' pickin'. Thought this month would never end!!! And people wonder why we're frazzled when Christmas really comes around.