During this time, seeds need moisture and warmth. Once seeds have germinated, they will send up their first leaves, called seed leaves. Next, the true leaves will appear. Male flowers, which produce pollen, are seen first. About a week later, the femal blossoms follow.
Female blossoms are easy to spot, because they have tiny pumpkins at their base.
Blossoms live for only a half day, and will not open in cold, rainy weather. When both male and female blossoms appear on the vine, bees transfer the pollen from the males to the females. This is called pollination. Once pollinated, the fruit at the base of the female blossom develops into a full-sized pumpkin. During this time, the plant continues to produce blossoms.