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Santa Cruz, CA

We have two pumpkins on the main of our 1420 LaRue. We need to cull down to one soon but they both have some issues. The first and larger has some cracks along it's shoulders and the second has a stem crack that extends to the pumpkin. If you have a chance to look at it and make suggestions that would be great. Both are grwoing equally well and the second is four days younger than the first. Thanks for the help.-Kristine and Riley Here are some pictures:http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=53238

7/23/2006 10:30:11 PM

Santa Cruz, CA

http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=53238

This should be the second photo.

7/23/2006 10:31:11 PM

Eugene,OR

I'd keep the second one. It looks like the larger one has more opportunities for disaster.

7/23/2006 11:56:29 PM

sevierville, Tn

i'd keep the 2nd too. Also depending on how fast they are growing, you might not cull the 1st one (or which ever one you decide) all at once, maybe over a few days. Just my 2 cents.

7/24/2006 12:46:38 AM

Santa Cruz, CA

Is it better to slowly clip off the one you are culling? Is that to not shock the plant so much?

7/24/2006 1:53:49 AM

Garden State Pumpkins

If the plant has been feeding two pumpkins the growth rate has been split between the two pumpkins...cutting one off completetly will push all the "juice" into one pumpkin causing all to be pushed into the one left. if its used to growing at a certain rate the additional growth might be two much for the blossom end...cull slowly let it get used to the additional growth rate. At least that's my undrstanding.

7/24/2006 5:58:48 AM

Syracuse, NY

i think culling slowly means to cut through
1/3 of the stem one day, and the next 1/3
a day later, and all the way through on the
third day. some may go a day longer between cuts,
and i actually cut a 1/2-inch chunk out each
time i do it to make sure it is obvious to me, AND the
pumpkin, lol. eric

7/24/2006 4:03:24 PM

Santa Cruz, CA

Thanks all for your advice. We are slowly cutting the larger pumpkin off as of yesterday. You all are the best!

7/25/2006 9:24:14 PM