Pumpkin drop problem

[VeniVidiVickiQV]

My pumpkin has so far developed two "fruits", and so far, both have started to rot on the plant and drop off once they get to the size of a lime/kiwi. They arent touching the soil so its not that.

Ive never grown pumpkins before - i dont know if there is something that im not doing - im pretty much leaving it alone.

The plant itself is really healthy looking with lots of flowers and shoots on it.

Im a bit puzzled - anyone know whats happening with it?

Have you cross pollinated the plant?

The first year I grew pumpkins I didn't realise you had to do that and ended up with lots of 'false' fruits that rotted almost immediately.

er no.......

does that involve small paint brushes or two plants or both?

One plant will do it - if you look closely there are two types of flowers.

Female flower (at the top) is slightly more bulbous.

Use a small paintbrush or a cotton wool bud to take some pollen from the male and put on the female. Each female you pollinate should make one good fruit.

I did notice the two types of flower - same as on my butternut squash and courgettes. Courgettes are doing just fine though so didnt get why it was happening.

Will have a crack at it and see what happens.

Thank you muchly St G

I have read about the cross pollinating but am having probs doing it as the flowers always seem to be closed up when I try to have a go.

ANy ideas?

Sounds like you are trying too early or late in the day. The flowers should open up wide enough to do easily by midday/early afternoon.

Have done it this morning

Have been collecting pollen on a paintbrush on the standard flowers the last 2 days. Then this morning the flower with the little bulb behind opened so I went out and forced my pumpkin to have relations with itself ....

I hope it works. Thanks St G