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Mercersburg, PA

I have a pumpkin at 32 d that has almost stopped growing and appears to possibly be rotting in the shoulder. (white spots and small splits around vine-white spot on shoulder is about 12" X 1".) I have beaten a personal best with it,, but if it rots, i have a side vine in mind to try and pollinate another. I have a secondary plant on the lawn with a pollination a few days old, but the main plant looks very healthy and i think i could still get a decent one off of it. I will still give this pumpkin a few days, but it doesnt look good. any advice? also this one was on pace for 1000 to day 25 doing 15-25 pounds per day and then almost quit. any advice??

8/4/2009 10:18:43 PM

Cochecton, NY

I would pollinate another before cutting off the one you have. You never know. I would realy research that white spot. Is it getting soft? If not I would just let it take it's course. As for the splits, I have always heard to dust them with captan and keep them dry. I am sure a pro or two will weigh in on this one.

8/5/2009 7:41:03 AM

Mercersburg, PA

it isnt really soft yet, but i expect it to get there. it looks like a "water spot", if you know what i mean. I have fungicide on the splits. I will measure tonight to see what the real story is--last measurement was about 200#, and only 5#/day for four days. like i said, it is a pb, but i am disappointed because it appeared that it was really on pace for a good one. welcome to giant growing, right? I look forward to using good seed next year--this one was with seed from Gurney's, which could be part of the problem as well.

8/5/2009 8:20:30 AM

Covington, WA

In all my years of growing pumpkins I have never seen one survive the white spots. It's a goner, set more fruit. I hate when that happens, especially when they've gotten that far along.

8/5/2009 1:14:14 PM

Mercersburg, PA

yep, its a goner, trying to set more fruit. posiibly one today and have a few more vines set up to continue growth. Had to clear some space and move some fence.

8/7/2009 11:06:11 AM