when do pumpkins get fruit?

[Lisast]

It has been 11 weeks since I planted my pumpkin seeds. I am getting the male flowers only. When should I start seeing signs of fruit? I live in Florida and it has been hot. Today is 09/14/04

[New Forester]

Can't speak for Florida, as I live in UK where we get weather instead of climate (though you do seem to be havign a spot of weather recently...). Our own pumpkins have been fruiting for weeks, so we're obviously doing something right (tons of manure might be it) -- but then we've only got another month of growing weather left at best. In my experience, squashes and pumpkins usually produce male flowers first, then work up to females if they feel like it -- so you may find that the females come along soon. Also make sure they are fed, watered and weeded. Pollinating the female flowers sometimes helps when they do arrive -- take a ripe anther column out of a male and rub it on each female as it flowers.

[Newt]

Lisast, Take a look here. Lots of info. http://www.pumpkinnook.com/growing.htm Newt

[Upforit]

I grew pumpkins a couple of years ago, for my kids at haloween. I can remember manually pollinating them, so I think probably this is what needs to be done to ensure fruit. I think I used a cotton bud (Q-tip to the Yanks) Just waggle one around inside the flower, then waggle it in the one next to it, and so on. Good luck!!!!