Q.pumpkins and cucumbers CAN cross pollinate??
In the garden, we planted cucumbers and pumpkins this year. The two plants were at oppposite ends of the garden. Yet, this fall we saw a new “creature”. It was round like a pumpkin and was in the pumpkin patch, yet it was prickly like a cucumber, smelled like one and has small cucumber seeds. All the literature says this is impossible but this what we got. If it isn’t a cross what it?
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
Did you plant zucchini too? Because they can cross-pollinate with pumpkins.
Texas A&M answered this question:
"Can cantaloupes cross-pollinate with other crops such cucumbers, watermelons, squash or pumpkins?"
A. "Crossing between members of the cucurbit family is rare. If crossing occurs, it will not show up in this year's fruit but will be evident if seed is saved from these fruits to plant in next year's garden. Many people rate off-flavored or strange- colored fruit with cross-pollination, but it is usually caused by environmental conditions or disease."
If you think you've got a true cross-pollination between cucumbers and pumpkins, you should probably contact your local university extension agent. You may have made a discovery.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/vgen/cross-pollination.htm
