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San Diego

I'm still new at this so here's me scenario. I have a pumpkin 14.5 ft on main vine at 41" circ. at 15 days. I have a back up at 17 ft at 19". How long do I need to keep the back up on? My first pumpkin is not growing real fast, about 3 inches per day so I don't think splitting is a problem, then again maybe I'm wrong. I want to get as much growth out of it as I can, would cutting off the second pumpkin increase my growth rate? What would be the minimum circ. where you shouldn't split?(knowing there is always a chance). Thanks, Jim

7/19/2002 6:24:54 PM

Puyallup, WA

You did not specify, but is that 3" circumference per day?

7/20/2002 1:10:50 AM

Western Pa.

Jim,

Once the pumpkin gets basketball size, it most likely will not abort. If you do see splitting, it will probably show up later in the season. I've had them split after fertilizing, followed by a heavy watering. If you keep both, you have a little "insurance" that you may finish the season with a pumpkin, and some growers have grown 2 or even 3 600-800# pumpkins on the same plant! If you decide to just keep one, keep the one that's growing the fastest, (with good vine position), aand pray for the best! Good luck!

kilr

7/20/2002 8:40:59 AM

San Diego

yes, 3 inches of circumfrance per day. My pumpkin also does almost all growth at night too. My ott measurements give me a heavier weight than just circumfrance, I think I have a taller pumpkin. Thanks, Jim

7/20/2002 1:24:43 PM