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milford, CT,

How many females do most of you pollinate before you stop?
Or do you pollinate every female until a certain date and begin culling? I currently have 5 females pollinated on each of my plants and figure by next week I'll have 4 more on each (9 total for each plant). Let me know! Mark

7/12/2006 3:35:39 PM

Trumbull, CT 06611, USA

Mark....last year I pollinated up to a certain date (early July and / or when I new I definately had a fruit set. Last year on the plant that grew my 1081, I pollinated up to July 9th (I pollinated the 1081 on June 28th) . After I new she took I literally cut everything off by July 14th. A bit of a risk, but it was worth it.

7/12/2006 3:55:55 PM

San Luis Obispo, Ca.

I go with as many as possible and see what happens. This year I had 6-set between 3 plants. I am down to 3-set, 1 per plant.

7/12/2006 4:19:30 PM

Jericho Vermont

Mark. I usually only pollinate 2 pumpkins per plant and they are on the main vine. If I want to create a genetics only cross on that plant I will pollinate a pumpkin on one of the primary secondaries.(One of the first 2 secondaries off from the main) I don't like confusing my plant with so many pumpkins for it to choose to feed. LOL I like to point it out right off and let the pumpkin do its work. Kind of risky but can give you nice rewards. John

7/12/2006 4:47:08 PM

Puyallup, WA

Most of the "heavy hitters" will tell you that your plant can easily feed several pumpkins up to basketball size without much effort. Do examine your fruit carefully before making the final decision to cut down to one pumpkin. Last year, I made a fatal mistake on the 1068.

7/12/2006 7:02:23 PM

milford, CT,

Thanks guys, I'm going to wait till next Tuesday (Day 10 on my first pollinations) and make some decisions then. I think I need to start culling soon and focus the plants the energy to a select few before making my final decision what is my keeper the week after. Mark

7/12/2006 9:36:53 PM