Squash and pumpkins only have male flowers, WHY???

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strainka Hayward, WI Aug 19, 2008

We started a new garden this spring. It has at least 2/3 day of direct sunlight and beautiful black soil. It had previously been blackberries. We are in northern WI and have been having great gardening weather, warm with periodic rains. So far the plant growth has been great but only male flowers on all our winter sqhash, watermelon and pumpkins. We have fertilized a little. This garden space is close to a stand of red pines. ~50' or so away. Any ideas why no female flowers or suggestions of what we can do to try to get some fruit set before it's too late in the season?

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glendalekid Tuscaloosa, AL(Zone 7b) Aug 19, 2008

I think usually the male flowers show up first. Since you now have male flowers, you should get female ones soon. Don't pick the male flowers off.

Karen



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june_nmexico Albuquerque, NM(Zone 7a) Aug 19, 2008

Strainka -- Unless you have bees or other natural methods,
you may have to hand pollinate your female squash blossoms
(when they turn up) using pollen from the male blossoms.

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LTilton Glen Ellyn, IL(Zone 5b) Aug 20, 2008

Later in the year, the problem can be female flowers and no males to pollinate them.

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june_nmexico Albuquerque, NM(Zone 7a) Aug 20, 2008

I've had that happen too, with no available males when needed.
I actually tore open a rather withered male blossom, found some
pollen in it and put it to use. It worked and resulted in a rather
nice size squash.

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