From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Denver, CO

Just want to pick the brains of the growers here. We have 3 pumpkins on the main vine. The first at about 14 feet, the next at about 19 feet and the last at about 23 feet out. The first was set on the 11th, and is about 16 inches circ, the next was set on the 18th and about a tennis ball size and the last was set today.

Just wondering, assuming they all start to grow, do you give up growing time for a pumpkin farther out on the vine, or do you take the pumpkin farther out with a greater "food factroy" pushing behind it.

7/24/2006 9:08:45 PM

Picton,ON ([email protected])

14 feet is lots in my mind. I would keep them untill the first one meets the first two benchmarks (10 and 20 day), then cull the rest.
A great one to talk I am, I have two plants with similar situations and am reluctant to make the cut.

7/24/2006 10:37:25 PM

Colo.Spgs.CO. Pikes Peak Chapter @ [email protected]

Greg I would go with the earliest pollination being it is the cross you want, and not an open pollination, and your fruit is positioned correct to not have future growth problems, especially 14 feet out should be fine. I would love to have an early july or late june pollination at 23 feet out, but that just does not happen here in colorado. If your first fruit has any of the above problems you feel not comfortable with, then go with the next best one.I would wait watch and see which fruit is the most dominant for a few more days though... Happy growing and good luck.....James

7/25/2006 2:20:45 AM

Eau Claire, WI

It seems for me that by 20 days the best one easily declares itself by growth rate and shape. I don't seem to have too many difficult decisions if I am just patient. The mistakes I have made is by culling too early.

7/25/2006 8:07:09 AM