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Massachusetts

Hi. My pumpkin is on day 14 and is at 28.25" circumference, only growing about 3/4" a day. Will it start to speed up? What should I do? I feel like I am missing out on the rapid growth time frame or something. Thanks!!!

8/3/2010 3:40:31 PM

Anchorage, Alaska

Is your plant getting enough water? Have you terminated most side vines? Have you used any fertilizers recently? Have you examined your vine and pumpkin for problems?

You can push growth with 0-0~50ish fertilizers and some extra water. Covering your pumpkin at night with a blanket holds in some heat which is better for growth. Be careful with the fertilizers or you WILL blow it up. 28.25" on day 14 seems a little low but you can never tell what it will do next week. Relax and make the sure the plant is getting t he water and nutrients it needs - which might require a soil test.

If you do decide to put on some extra water or fertilizer...don't do it all at once. You will be much happier with a 500lbs fruit in October than you will be with an 800lbs fruit that split open in August.

8/3/2010 4:50:45 PM

3 acre corner in Whittaker,Mi USA (faulkner5@msn.com)

Newman hit it right!! My 1054 fruit started out of the gates slow this year even beginning with the plant growth and then in a span of 2 weeks BOOM. Explosive vine growth filled all 500 sq. Feet in and the largest fruit that I have now is on the slowest plant to start. Fruit growth is slow but steady and starting to gain steam with 20 to 25 lbs. Growth a day now....Remember that the turtle ended up winning the race!! :)
Keep up the good work and grow em big!

8/7/2010 1:25:57 AM

Lawrenceville Illinois

That sounds like a really nice gain in size a day. My two giants are slowing down but im hoping they will speed up after some more watering. its been a brutal heat here.

8/9/2010 1:56:58 PM