By Vanellus
Flintshire, United Kingdom
Sorry if this seems a silly question but I'm a bit of a beginner. I tried growing melons in the greenhouse last year from seed. The plants made lots of growth and produced numerous flowers but no fruit. Do I need to hand-pollinate the flowers?
- 15 Jan, 2011
Answers
I think that you have to remove the male flowers and use them to hand pollinate the females-- my problem was that I either got male or female-- never out together...
15 Jan, 2011
Temperatures that are too cold or too hot can cause the plant to only produce one kind of flower. Cantaloupes need temps of 21º-29º C to produce both. Most other melons need temps above 27º C.
16 Jan, 2011
Ahh Tug -- that explains it! -- even in the greenhouse that cannot be guaranteed here :o))
16 Jan, 2011
Every summer I complain about the heat here. I guess I should "Stop my ------ whinging!", eh? : D
18 Jan, 2011
I dont know the British are well known for talking-- and complaining-- about the weather -- its a national pastime :o))
I think if i had the choice of prolonged cold or prolonged heatwave i'd probably choose the cold!!
18 Jan, 2011
With the cold, you can always put another coat on, but there isn't much that can be done about the heat!
18 Jan, 2011
and a wooly hat & 'thermals'--;o)
I suppose we get used to the weather we live in-- its the extremes that throw us
18 Jan, 2011
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Yes, I would expect so, as in the green house they are less likely to get any attention from any pollinating insects like bees.
Maybe in the Summer they may be beter off outside during the Summer Sun during the day to get pollinated.
Other members may be more knowledgable as I am just guessing.
15 Jan, 2011