From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Manitoba

This is my first year growing and I have a 120 lb pumpkin that is getting soft and wrinkly on the blossom end. Is this normal? What's going on? Is it aborting? And if so, why? Everything was hunky dory with the exception of some kind of mildew problem on the leaves. Luckily I hedged my bet with two Ag's. So if it's aborting, should I cull it? Any reponses are appreciated.

9/1/2006 1:02:20 PM

Montoursville, PA

If you are sure it is going down get it out of there. No need to turn those spore loose in the patch.

9/1/2006 1:07:58 PM

Menomonie, WI (mail@gr8pumpkin.net)

Soft and wrinkly? Good still be good, could be signs of what is to come. Pumpkins are very unpredictable. Sometimes you can't see it but it splits letting air into the cavity. I have carved a few that look solid but have hair line cracks. Sometimes it is something has dug up from underneath. Sometimes I think the plant is like a teenager and is just testing you, trying to throw you over the edge. If it is split. You will Smell it very soon, fruit flies are another big clue. Get the rotting pumpkin out of there and hack it in to small pieces, throw it in the compost pile.

9/1/2006 1:08:54 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

Oohh ooh that smell...Can't you smell that smell?

Sniff test & fruit flies are the signs.

Why? Could be a fruit rot fungus like fusarium or alternaria & it could just be fate.

Is the pumpkin resting on the bare ground or is it insulated by something. Sand? Foam? Fabric?

9/1/2006 9:47:41 PM

Manitoba

Well it doesn't stink and there are no fruit flies but the blossom end is starting to look paler and it's getting softer so I guess it's time to put her out of her misery. Sigh, oh well, in the compost bin you go. And no Tremor, I didn't rest it on anything like I was supposed. Sorta kicking myself for that one. Will do that for sure next year. Can't wait to investigate, to see what's underneath it and inside. I was gonna give it some potassium nitrate tomorrow at half strengh after I cull the rotten pumpkin, Is there anything wrong with giving it a boost so soon after culling such a large fruit on the same vine? I just don't want the other fruit(200+) to explode.

9/2/2006 1:38:52 AM

Manitoba

oops, forgot to mention how much potassium nitrate 12-0-44

9/2/2006 1:41:12 AM