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Pinedale, WY

I am new to this, so I need some help. If I plant just one seed and pollinate my female flowers from the male flowers on that plant is that bad? I am I going to end up with a small pumpkin? Do I have to plant a second seed to grow a second plant to cross polinate if I want something over 500? Thanks

12/2/2006 10:38:48 AM

Montoursville, PA

Next years genetics and total results are already in your seed. Crossing is an attempt to bring to or improve existing qualities within your genetics.

Some would say that using your own male is the way to go. They believe "selfing" helps throw out weakness or undesirable traits.

The weight as all traits within your seed comes from the genetics contained in each years seed.

Your best move here would be to talk with those who frequent this board and the chat board. Your improved chances of getting a better seed are very good here. Tell us what you have. Talk about your patch and how you plan to maybe make it better. You will find lots of help as you meet and make some new friends and associates.

12/2/2006 10:49:23 AM

Another option is to find a grower within reasonable driving distance and try and co-ordinate your seed choices(for the desired crosses) this year,,,trading pollen when the time comes.

12/2/2006 1:17:08 PM

Pinedale, WY

Thanks, I appreciate it. I got the "How to grow World class pumpkins" books. Steve Delatas gave me one of his 1385 seeds to try. So I guess if it doesn't work in it my own inexperience. I got a pack of seeds from Henry Fields last year and had no idea what I was doing and I grew a giant pumpkin about the size of a golfball. My goal is to beat my previous years pumpkin. So I have a good chance. My soil has been tested, adjusted, manured, and I have a good crop of rye going and a lot of farmer neighbors that want to help. Thanks again!

12/2/2006 10:15:25 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

No Pastor this isn't bad. It isn't a cross then. We'd call this a "selfed" seed. That self pollen won't affect the size of the fruit at all. Like Doc said, it will only affect the genetics of the seeds that are produced. There will be no effect on fruit size.

12/3/2006 12:58:58 AM

Montoursville, PA

Pastor I would say you have made a pretty good second start.

How many pumpkin plants do you think you may have, in your patch this year? How large is your patch?

What you have done should get you a couple hundred pounds and maybe a bunch more.

12/3/2006 8:10:01 PM

Pinedale, WY

I am thinking maybe 1-2 plants, that way I can focus more on them instead of having several going. We have really good soil here, and plenty of free manure available. In fact I have the ability to feed the cows whatever I want. Any suggestions on that to make my manure better for giant pumpkins?

12/5/2006 2:01:47 AM

President - GPC

Pastor, Please give me an email, Welcome to Giant Pumpkin growing in Colorado,......................>
TheWizard@ColoradoPumpkins.com

12/5/2006 1:19:14 PM

President - GPC

Prepare for Hail and damnation....lol

Check us out: www.ColoradoPumpkins.com

12/5/2006 1:20:23 PM

Montoursville, PA

There you are Pastor. Listen to the guy who first rolls one down off Long's Peak, takes out two houses, a mini bus full of beer and and Indian on a Cow Pony. That person would be worth listening to because it would have been a decent sized pumpkin.

1/7/2007 8:05:16 PM