From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Owensboro, Ky.

Novice grower from W. Ky. and looking at early plant...in hoop house approx. 2 weeks...this afternoon and saw what I am almost positive are male flowers. 2 of them. Is this possible? 6th true leave starting to form...secondaries starting to form...tendrils starting...all completely believeable to me but...not 1 but 2 very small...less than 1/2 in male flowers formed on stem approx 1 inch long. Am I losing it this early in the growing season? Input appreciated and really needed at this point. Somebody tell me I aint crazy. Peace Wayne

4/17/2005 6:42:03 PM

Connecticut

They could be early flowers. Once you're sure, pinch them off.

4/18/2005 5:41:17 AM

Long Island,New York

Flowers that early are usually a sign of stress....how long in the pot?

4/18/2005 7:08:33 AM

Hilpoltstein, Bavaria, Germany

Couldn't agree more with Glenn here.... that plant must have had some stress!
Small, yellow leaves? Thin vine? Leaves and side vine buds very close together?
If that is the case I'd pull the plant...

4/18/2005 5:03:21 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

5 1/2 days in pot. Large green leaves. Thick healthy vine. Not sure what leaves and side vine buds very close together means. The side vine bud is at a leaf junction but leaf stem is 8" or more in length. No way I'm pullin this one at this point in time. It did get small amount of burn on 2nd true leaf...just crinkled the edge a little. Thanks for all the help but this one will grow on. Peace Wayne

4/18/2005 8:53:48 PM

Wallingford,CT

what is the temp in the hoop house.....how high has it been? I've seen the temps go very high without care. high temp is stress

4/18/2005 9:22:07 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

The first couple of days the plant was in the hoop house the temps did get quite high...over 100. Probably why leaf #2 got burned edge. Since then I have kept it regulated to less than 90...Kept at 70-75 at night.

4/18/2005 9:33:38 PM

Wallingford,CT

I think you have your answer. all you can do now is remove the flowers and wait. oh yea, don't let it get hot again.

4/18/2005 9:54:12 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

Okay, learning on the run here. If the heat stress caused the early flowers, will this cause long term damage to the plant as a whole? It sure does look healthy and seems to be growing vigorously at this point. Watcha think? Thanks again for all the input. Peace Wayne

4/19/2005 6:37:53 AM

Owensboro, Ky.

Also, wondering if I should trim off the early secondaries? I have clipped off the flowers, and dusted with Captan. Peace Wayne

4/19/2005 6:49:15 AM

Cologne / Germany

How big is the pot? Sounds like extensive root stress as well. I had pollinator plants in pots doing the same but later in the season. A 3 gallon pot is okay up to 3 weeks. I would look for 70 F as a constant temp for the young plant. If that doesn´t help, your plant is probably a mutant and will cause you a lot of stress later in the season, so get rid.

4/19/2005 7:49:04 AM

Utah

don't yank that plant ! it's from my seed ... lol !

4/19/2005 9:45:37 AM

Owensboro, Ky.

Plant was in 2 1/2 gal pot for 5 1/2 days after rearing its tender green head. Relax Gordon, the plant will grow. I sort of like the idea of mutant punkin plant...and thanks for the seeds. Still wondering if early secondaries should be trimmed off at this time. Also curious what folks do with tendrils...trim them off or leave them. Thanks again The Mutant Lives...Peace Wayne

4/19/2005 9:56:42 PM

Garden State Pumpkins

I wouldn't go poking her to much right now especially if she's showing signs of stress..early secondaries are your back up main if it does flat vine on ya so let em go a bit. Trim the tendrils and flowers. Use the plastic U hooks to hold the vines down till they root in good and train the direction and S slack in. GrowEmBig! Chuck

4/20/2005 5:44:07 AM