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Long Beach, CA

I'm getting an extra-late start on planting this year, so I still have a couple weeks before germination...amazingly, though, I still haven't been able to make up my mind on a line-up....so, I thought I'd post this question and see what all you experienced growers have to say! Here's what I'm considering:

689.5 Sandercock 2003 (869 Calai X self)
603 Muller (845 Nesbitt X self)
391 Strange 2005 (1101 Northrup X 778 Vader)
1233.5 Reiss 2005 (670 Daigle X 801.5 Stelts)
781.5 Frantz 2005 (1101 Northrup X 1125 Frantz)
621 Zuhlke 2005 (1101 Northrup X self)

I (unfortunately) only have space for two plants, one of them for genetic purposes only... I'm hoping for big and orange genetics, so with that in mind I've been leaning towards the 1233...I really can't decide upon a second seed. I'd truly appreciate any advice!

Thanks,
Oliver

5/15/2006 11:49:42 PM

Mill Creek West by god Virginia

oliver the 689.5 sandercock is a excellent choice to cross with the reiss seed i have a 689 growing in my patch now and its a amazing plant so far its been cold as heck here but it continues to grow rapidly,and heck the 869 genetics is awsome,mikes 781.5 is also a awsome cross and it will be a proven seed after this year i beleive so it also would be a excellent cross! the other seeds would also be a good cross but in my opinion as humble as it it ide use either of the first two i mentioned take care god bless and grow a orange monster keith barrett aka burrhead

5/16/2006 12:41:01 AM

Mill Bay, British Columbia

I agree with Keith here that the 689.5 Sandercock would be a great choice. I've seen alot of nice big pumpkins grown from this seed and they are all round and brilliant orange.

5/16/2006 12:51:53 AM

If were you I grow what ever you can get to sprout.
If wait to long you will get nothing.

5/16/2006 8:29:51 AM

Berlin,mi.([email protected])

i would grow the 621 but i'm a little partial to that seed. lol

5/16/2006 8:51:08 AM

Lake Elmo, Minnesota

Yes, the 689.5 Sandercock. I've grown in '04 and '05. Nothing beats it for consistent bright orange, roundness and ribs. I believe the biggest progeny from it, however, is only about 400 pounds. However, I'm certain that will be broken this year with a few experienced growers using it.

5/16/2006 9:14:28 AM

Little-TON - Colorado

Hope you also pick the 1233 Reiss, My seeding is up and its stem is quite stocky but a bit slower than the 1269 Kline and the O5 Langevin which numbers escape me at this time. Good Luck Octo, dont we wish we had more patch!!

5/16/2006 9:31:27 AM

Www.extremepumpkinstore.com

781, 603

5/16/2006 10:05:42 AM

Massillon, Ohio

603

5/16/2006 10:55:59 AM

[email protected]

603, 689.5 crossed with each other.

5/16/2006 11:20:10 AM

Eastern Pennsylvania

603

5/16/2006 11:46:00 AM

Eastern Pennsylvania

no, wait a minute, trade that 603 to me

5/16/2006 11:46:34 AM

Minnesota([email protected])

I'd cross the 603 Muller into the 1233.5 Reiss(if you're set on growing it). I'm planning the same cross myself(LOL). The 603 looks to be one of the most consistant orange producers out there. It has produced one over 1000 lbs.
The 603 Muller X 689.5 Sandercock would make an awesome color cross IMO.
You've got some very nice seeds there Oliver!

5/16/2006 7:18:54 PM

From what I have gathered on "big and orange" (my goal as well) and with some insite from great genetics people, I would have to go with the 603 X 689.5 should have great shape and color, and the gene pool on the 689.5 should go heavey to the charts. Please put me on your seed list for this year !! Tough choices with great seeds.

Get a biggie !!!

5/16/2006 8:09:05 PM

Long Beach, CA

Thanks for the suggestions, everyone! Hum, looks like the 689.5 and 603 come out with the most votes, closely tied with each other. I'm still inclined to grow the 1233, but since so many people recommend a 603 X 689.5 cross, I wouldn't want to grow one without the other...Perhaps a second, auxiliary patch to accomodate a second genetics pant....? I might do that...

Oliver

5/18/2006 1:05:53 AM

[email protected]

Save the 1233 for next season, you'll know what to expect from it after others plant it this season. Next season you can grow your own cross and the 1233.

5/18/2006 11:11:52 AM