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New Brunswick, Canada

I have a patch ready and plan to have 2 plants from different seed sources, and then cross-pollenate them to get 2 giant pumpkins. I don't really want to risk only planting two plants to start. So how many seeds should I germinate to start the season, and then I will thin them to just 2 plants after they are well estabished.

4/11/2011 12:27:41 PM

Johnston, Iowa

I usually have one "back-up" plant for each primary plant that I want to grow. In other words, if I want to grow two plants, I start out with four.

4/11/2011 12:58:26 PM

Fresno, CA

Have you tried seed starting yet? You may want to practice with some less important seeds to see what your germination rate is. If you are less experienced at starting seeds via soaking and heating methods you may have trouble germinating and will require more seeds to start with.

4/11/2011 3:36:30 PM

New Brunswick, Canada

Dan - I was thinking of 2 or maybe 3 plants and then thinning to one. But I don't know how far apart to space them. Maybe it doesn't matter since there will only be 3 for a couple of weeks maybe before I pull out the other 2.

I have not tried seed starting yet. I'm waiting another week or two - still have to build a coldframe as I'll need it til the first of June in this climate and also don't want to plant too early because my weigh-off dates are in September.

4/11/2011 9:07:04 PM

Merrimack NH

Just make sure you cut out your back -ups rather than pull them out. You don't want to disturb the root system of the one you are keeping.

4/12/2011 8:03:41 AM

Rhode Island

we always start a few backups but in all honesty have never had to use them. once the plants are in ground we ride um all the way out.
backups are good just in case but in my opinion? if your doing everything right no need to put more than the choosen ones in place.
the backups are kept in pots and given away as fellow growers may need them.
pap

4/12/2011 8:56:42 AM