Helping the melons along...help

[Veggiemama]

Now, please dont think i am daft, and yes i have read up a bit what to do...BUT

I dont know for sure the difference between the male and female flowers.

I am helping them pollinate.

Now most of the flowers look male. Am i right in thinkinf there is a "Definate Bump" below the female flower?

I found 2 yesterday morning that had a definate bump so i put some male pollen(i think into them)

What i dont know is...if these flowers with a bump have already been pollinated by insects....which is why they have a bump....or has the female flower got this "Definate Bump"


Please help as i am going mad trying to identify the female.
I think i have it right, but just want to check....there are (i think) loads of male flowers and not so many female flowers so far.

Am i right?

Also i have to get this right as my Oh keeps making jokes at me helping the melons to have some LOVE so, i have to do it right just to show him i can..

Thanks in advance
VM

[Capsid]

Yes the female flowers have a bump which is the ovary. I never bother pollinating as there are plenty of insects about to do this. It's only necessary for indoor peach trees which flower early before many insects emerge. You will only get about 2 melons per plant so don't expect every flower to produce a fruit.

[Veggiemama]

Thanks for that.

I'd be happy with even one melon.

This is the only thing i am growing that hasnt any fruit yet (or maybe i have 2 now........will have to wait a wee while and see)

If i get at least one fruit, then my Oh will stop teasing me

VM

[zazen999]

Good luck. I tried last year but only got one that was an inch in diameter; far too much effort for the resulting produce.

[Veggiemama]

Thanks Zazen999.

I think it may not be hot enough here, even inside the polytunnel. BUt will wait and see. I'll give it my best shot.

VM

[Frana]

I too had this issue with which flowers are which but with a bit of advice from one of the 'old boys' I managed to crack it!

The female flowers are 'stubbier' with a 'bulge' under the flower (techincal terms they are!).

The male have a longer thinner stem (who says length doesn't matter!).

I only had one female flower and pollinated it and it is currently doing very well but have only one melon on the plant.

Another 'old boy' told me that if you pollinate the first female flower you see then you will only get one melon which seems to have been the case.

I am happy with just one though as it is the first time I have attempted melons and it seems to be very healthy! (i will wait for a few more female flowers next year though).