Pollinating melons

[Lymmguineas]

Hi,
I'm growing melons for the first time in my greenhouse.
I've got two plants - both a variety called Arava.
The plants look really healthy. Both doing well and lots of flowers.
My question is, do I need to pollinate them by hand?
The info I've read says "If male flowers form (those without a swelling behind them) do not remove them as they are necessary for pollination".
I can't seem to find any male flowers on the plants at all. Maybe I'm not looking closely enough but I had my cataracts done last year so should be able to spot them!
Is it normal that there may be only female flowers?
If there are no male flowers will I still get some fruit from the plants?
Thanks

[ameno]

I highly doubt there are only male flowers on the plant. If anything, I suspect it's quite the opposite, and you are mistaking the somewhat bulbous base of the male flowers for the fruitlet behind the female flowers. Maybe you could post a picture for confirmation?
It's fairly normal for only male flowers to be produced to start with, and male flowers usually outnumber female at least 4 to 1.

As for hand pollination, it probably will be necessary. Once female flowers appear, the easiest way to do it is to pluck a male flower, remove it's petals, the rub the pollen directly on to the stigma of the female flower. Earlier in the day is better, as male flowers only last 24 hours, and the pollen is fresher earlier on.

[Nicos]

When in doubt…give nature a helping hand !

[Bren In Pots]

I hand pollinate my first few courgettes it doesn't take long it do.

[Lymmguineas]

Thanks for all the advice guys.
I think I've done it right!
Only time will tell!

[Lymmguineas]

Looks like it's worked!
I've got two melons growing.
How many should I normally expect to have? is one or two per plant about right or should I have more?

[Nicos]

No idea!…but well done. How exciting!

[Snoop Puss]

Congratulations. Any melons are better than no melons, that's for sure. It might be getting a bit late for more melons now, as any new ones might not ripen fully before the end of the season. Where are you based (rough location only)? If you think you might not have enough season left for more, just let the plants concentrate on the ones you do have.

Arava melons have a lovely scent and flavour. You're in for a great treat.

[greenishfing]

They look great. I used to get between 2 and 4 per plant. One day you'll walk into your greenhouse and the smell will greet you. You will know you have a ripe melon. I know people chill melon but I think it is best sun-warmed and really ripe, fresh off the plant.

[greenishfing]

Also, if they are getting heavy make some slings to sit them in so that they don't pull the plant down or break it. I used to make them out of mesh/net that would stretch as they grew. I knew someone who used old bras🫣.

[ameno]

Looks like it's worked!
I've got two melons growing.
How many should I normally expect to have? is one or two per plant about right or should I have more?

It depends how big the plant has been able to get.
With a small-fruited variety, you could easily get 5 or 6 per plant if the plant has the space, water and nutrient to get nice and big. But if the plant is smaller or more restricted then 2 or 3 is probably the best you can hope for.

Congratulations. Any melons are better than no melons, that's for sure. It might be getting a bit late for more melons now, as any new ones might not ripen fully before the end of the season. Where are you based (rough location only)? If you think you might not have enough season left for more, just let the plants concentrate on the ones you do have.

Melons develop quickly. It shouldn't take more than 6 weeks between fruit set and being ready to pick.