Live Self Sufficient

Many self sufficient gardeners enjoy planting a few pumpkins and gourds in their gardens. If you have a limited amount of growing space, you may be concerned about where you plant these vines. Can they cross pollinate with each other? What kind of fruit will they produce if they can?

The answers are a bit complicated. For starters, some pumpkins and gourds can cross pollinate with each other. In order for this to happen, both vegetables need to be a member of the same species. Pay attention to the specific variety of seeds you purchase because this will allow you to determine their species.

Okay so you picked pumpkins and gourds that belong to the same species. They are already in the ground and taking over your garden as you read. What now? Will they cross pollinate. That depends. Do you have a lot of bees and insects buzzing around your garden? Many people have to hand pollinate their pumpkin and gourd vines due to a lack of natural pollinators.

If you do have a lot of bees in the neighborhood, it is very possible they will cross pollinate. Don’t worry this isn’t completely a bad thing. Oddly enough, even if your pumpkins and gourds cross pollinate, you won’t know it during this growing season. Both types of fruits will develop normally.

The real secret is in the seeds. If you plan on drying out your seeds and using them next year, cross pollination could be an issue. This is when you will see any difference in the plant.

Related posts:

1. How can I avoid cross pollination among my gourds and pumpkins?
2. Preparing to harvest your pumpkins and gourds
3. Claim your pumpkins and gourds while still on the vine
4. Pollinate your pumpkin flowers
5. Why isn’t my vine producing fruit?