Identify male flowers: thin stem, no tiny cucumber behind the bloom
Identify female flowers: small cucumber-shaped swelling behind the bloom
Pollinate in the morning when flowers are freshly open
Use a small paintbrush, cotton swab, or pick a male flower
Gently collect pollen from the center of a male flower
Transfer the pollen to the center of a female flower
Repeat with multiple male flowers for better coverage
Pollinate each female flower individually
Avoid using wet flowers
Keep pollinated plants watered and healthy
Check female flowers over the next few days for fruit development
Hand-pollinate daily if natural pollinators are scarce
Grow pollinator-friendly flowers nearby to attract bees
Avoid insecticides during flowering
Remove spent flowers if needed to reduce disease risk