Female pumpkin broke while hand pollinating. Is it still okay?

Question

This is my first year trying to grow pumpkins. This morning, I hand pollinated the first female. When I touched it with the male, it broke. I gently rubbed all over and then left the male inside the remaining part of the female hoping it will still pollinate, but I am worried that with the female broken, it may damage the pumpkin's chances of pollination.

Has anyone done this before? Will it still pollinate?

Answer 1

It depends on what part you broke.  If it was just a petal or two it will probably be ok, but if you broke the pistil, the little  bulb in the middle, it's probably a goner. You can use a much gentler touch with a cotton swab or small artists paint brush to do your pollinating.  You needn't rub the pollen in, just touch it to the center of the female blossom.