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Clinton, Missouri

I'm new this year to atlantic giant pumpking growing. Have grown field pumpkins for the last couple of years and my little one acre patch produced over 600 really nice pumpkins last year. Started a new patch this year just for the AG's. Have read all the books and watched some videos and spent time on this site. I took soil samples and fertilized accordingly. No compost this year as I got a late start in the patch due to monsoon-type weather here in Missouri. I have 5 plants going, but three of the five have now developed stem splits. The plants are just three weeks along and all about the same stage and size. Is this too much nitrogen or could it be something else? Any advice on this? As long as I keep the splits dry, can they make it? Plants look healthy otherwise.

5/31/2009 8:11:54 PM

Fairport,NY

To much water can also cause splits, if their lengthwise vs. crosswise they should healover themselves.good luck to you this year, hope ya grow a monster.What 5 plants do you have planted?

5/31/2009 8:57:18 PM

Clinton, Missouri

Thanks for the info. All Foss, 3 748's, one 856 and one 945. The 748's parents are a 1402 Bosworth and 1689 Jutras. They are lengthwise splits. Have had over 11 inches of rain since I started these indoors. I intend to water very sparingly until I see a little distress. Been a struggle to get my patch ready and get my houses out to protect the plants.

5/31/2009 9:47:24 PM

Portland, Oregon

I've got just one plant and it has a crosswise split that goes about halfway through. Is it toast?

5/31/2009 11:10:56 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

Lengthwise splits are OK if you keep them dry. Crosswise this early isn't good.

6/1/2009 1:26:26 PM

Ohio

I can't tell you how relieved I am to read that lengthwise vine splits might be able to be alright..........I have one on my biggest plant & I thought it was all over.
But keeping it dry with these horrid nightime thunderstorms we're having might be difficult.

6/2/2009 10:10:57 AM

Owensboro, Ky.

SP, try and keep that split dry as possible...Tent, plus fan if possible!!! Splits down the length of the vine are not the optimum, but not life-ending for the vine!!! Possibly treat w/ a preventative fungicide. Zippy, build a lil tent!!! Do something!!!
Jeff, on a previous post (or maybe in a Diary)...read about a cross split...taped back together (not sure if clear tape, or duct tape)...and seems to be growing okay (see Jason D's diary)!!! I think??? Hope this helps!!! Peace, Wayne

6/5/2009 1:58:06 AM