Pumpkins sport both male and female flowers. The plants must be insect pollinated - honeybees being the main pollinators. Multiple visits to each flower are necessary for pollination Ð about 15 visits per flower.

The best placement for beehives is in the production field. Place beehives in the field when flowers begin opening, usually when the third node forms on the plant. Leave beehives in the field for only 35 days.

Location and timing of pollination is key because research shows honeybees prefer other types of  plants from which they get more nectar and pollen. Keep the bees interested in pollinating the pumpkin patch by placing the hives in the proper area at the proper time.