I've noticed that my pumpkin plants have produced three female flowers that bloomed but then withered away. The male flowers, however, are growing taller without actually blooming. I've been careful to cut off the tiny male buds to encourage growth and have checked that there isn't an excess of nitrogen in the soil. They have enough space to grow, so I'm puzzled. What else can I do to promote blooming of the male flowers?
2 Answers
I've heard that having multiple pumpkin plants is key to getting those male flowers to bloom. It seems like the more plants you have, the better chance you get for them to bloom around the same time. I typically plant at least three, and it works well for me, plus I hand pollinate just to be safe. It might be worth a try!
Sounds frustrating! One thing I've noticed is that sometimes male flowers bloom better when the weather is a bit warmer. Maybe give it some time, or check if they’re getting enough sunlight. A little more sun might be just what they need to kick into gear!
I actually have five plants too, and still no male flowers blooming for me! They’re all just being stubborn.