New Growers Forum
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Subject: Cut Leaf & Tendril?
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From
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Location
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Message
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Date Posted
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CEIS |
In the shade - PDX, OR
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I was wondering what the criteria is when deciding to cut the leaf and tendril off when a female blossom is present. The flower is on the correct side of the plant and an S curve is being trained. The blossom is only 4' out and will probably be culled. I plan on letting it develop and see what else comes down the vine. How do you decide when/if it is right to cut the leaf and tendril? -Cheers Ceis
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7/5/2002 6:55:36 PM
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hey you |
Greencastle, PA
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If you're going to cull it don't cut the leaf or tendril. The only reason to do that is so the tendril doesn't hold the pumpkin down as it grows and so the leaf doesn't scratch the fruit as it grows. Before you cut the leaf, tendril, and secondary vine at the leaf node your fruit is at be sure it's the 1 you want to keep. Tom
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7/5/2002 9:40:11 PM
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CEIS |
In the shade - PDX, OR
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Thanks Tom. There are pretty lame questions on the new growers forum - but let's face it we are all learning. Thanks for your reply. - Ceis
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7/6/2002 1:30:18 AM
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hey you |
Greencastle, PA
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There aren't any lame questions on this board, we all asked almost every one of them when we first got started (last year for me). Good luck with your AG's. Tom
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7/6/2002 4:20:37 PM
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CEIS |
In the shade - PDX, OR
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You are right Tom. What I really meant is that I felt as if MY question was lame.
All - no offense meant by my post. Ask'em if you got 'em - that is why the board is here.
I should brush up on my internet etiquette.......
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7/7/2002 1:54:40 AM
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owen o |
Knopp, Germany
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what about tendrils in general? i've heard that the tendrils should go and put dirt over the place where they came from. any input?
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7/7/2002 1:34:25 PM
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hey you |
Greencastle, PA
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I keep the tendrils, they help anchor the plant to the ground. Tom
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7/10/2002 12:47:43 AM
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hey you |
Greencastle, PA
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I'll take that one step farther... I don't keep the tendrils near the stem of the fruit because that's the one section of the vine that you don't want anchored to the ground. Tom
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7/10/2002 12:48:43 AM
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CEIS |
In the shade - PDX, OR
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Hey Farmer Tom - I have another question related to cutting the tendril and leaves. On set pumpkins, I see that the growers cut all of the leaves and tendrils (& roots)off of the vine for about 3 feet on either side of the pumpkin. Is there a specific reason for this? or is this just to keep the area nearest to the fruit clear? I can see where this would help when one is taking measurements.
I understand why you cut the roots - so as to reduce stem stress & let the vine raise up while the fruit grows. Thanks, Ceis
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7/10/2002 6:44:36 PM
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hey you |
Greencastle, PA
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People cut the leaves around their big pumpkins so that as the fruit grows it doesn't rub against the leaves and get scratched. Another good reason to do that is so the vine is as light as possible which reduces stress. Also the effects of gravity will pull the leaves down which would twist the main, that also causes stress and splits (in the vine). A balanced light vine would reduce stem stress. Tom
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7/11/2002 1:09:41 AM
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CEIS |
In the shade - PDX, OR
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Excellent - All of that makes good sense. It is still early to think about this, but I want to be prepared. I'm about 2-3 weeks behind & my mains should reach 10 feet by the week end. (as long as the heat doesn't affect their growth too much) Thanks for your help. Ceis
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7/11/2002 11:30:19 AM
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Total Posts: 11 |
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