Growing Pumpkin

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22 Jan 19 Sal (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
I have 3 healthy pumpkins growing on the vine but the new baby ones are going yellow and dying. What causes this?
22 Jan 19 Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
They are going yellow and dying because they have not been pollinated. Try using a soft small paint brush, or something similar, to transfer some pollen from a 'male' flower (one without a tiny pumpkin behind it) to a 'female' flower - one with a tiny pumkin behind it.
23 Jan 19 Sal (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Thanks for that, I assumed that if a pumpkin formed it must have been pollinated.
28 Feb 19 Mike (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
The female flowers are only open for 1 day and usually closed by lunch. Have to be on the ball to pollinate them.
22 Jan 19 Mike (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Or break off a male flower and peel back the flower part, then rub the female flower with the male part. Make sure the male has pollen on it by testing with your finger. Even do this with 2-3 male flowers.
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This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. GardenGrow is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
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