When do you know that the female pumpkin flower will be opening soon?

Question

I have two pumpkin plants each with one female flower growing on them. I am going to hand pollinate the female, but understand that it is usually only open for one day. What are the signs that it will be opening? Also, there are bees all over the open male flowers. When the female opens, is there a way to keep the bees away to make pollinating easier? Any tips would be appreciated. This is my first year growing pumpkins.

Answer 1

Give her a few margaritas.....it works with my girl friend. She opens up after that.

Answer 2

B  You have nothing to worry about. What is happening is normal. The male flower comes first, this attracts the bee's, and a few days later when the female flowers the bee's will already be there to pollinate, and that is how it works. Bee's are the master at pollination.