From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Stanwood, Washington

All right I have pretty much made up my mind but I am going to run this past you all to see what you think.
The biggest issue is that the Pumpkins are 10 days apart which makes it hard to compare their growth. Also since the first is so much bigger I am wondering if it is hindering the growth of the second. Both Pumpkins have similar shapes and good stem length and positioning.

The first is at 8' on the main vine. It is at day 25 and measures 33.25" in circ.

The second is at 12.5' on the main vine. It is at day 15 and Measures 16.75" in circ.

The daily measurements are as follows.

Pumkin #1
Day 10 - 9"
Day 11 - 10"
Day 12 - 11"
Day 13 - 12"
Day 14 - 12.75"
Day 15 - 15"
Day 16 - 16.75"
Day 17 - 18"
Day 18 - 20.5"
Day 19 - 22"
Day 20 - 25.25"
Day 21 - 26.5"
Day 22 - 28"
Day 23 - 30"
Day 24 - 31.5"
Day 25 - 33.25"

Pumpkin # 2
Day 10 - 11.5"
Day 11 - 13"
Day 12 - 13.5"
Day 13 - 14.5"
Day 14 - 15.5"
Day 15 - 16.75"

The Second started off better but the first had better gains on day 10-15 plus has been growing faster over the last few days. I am leaning towards the first but I am wondering if the second might be better becasue of the farther distance from the stump. If I cull the first will the second start growing faster? Which would you choose?

7/21/2011 8:45:25 PM

East Jordan, MI

Im no expert, but I would take number two. More vine behind it, and it is growing better despite he fact that number one is getting first dibs. This is a marathon, IMO the second one will pass the first one in a few days if it has all of the juice it can take.

No matter which one you cut, do it over 2 days, cut half way through then next day cut off to avoid a huge surge to the other one that could split it. And I would chose in within the next 2 days, no since waiting. Growth is suffering on both due to the other one stealing from it.

7/21/2011 10:57:44 PM

Nottingham, UK

As with cntrybot I would also say No.2 but then again I am a novice. I have two that are 5 days apart and need to make a decision but it is a little easier for me as the first pollinated is on a secondary and the next on the main at 15-16'. Thanks for the tip cntryboy on cutting over 2 days and goodluck Captain97

7/22/2011 5:33:45 AM

Upa Creek, Mo

You'd better decide soon. I like 2 since you have more behind it.

7/22/2011 8:51:27 AM

Stanwood, Washington

Wow. I am suprised. Pumpkin 1 grew 6 Inches from day 10-5 while Pumpkin 2 grew 5.25 Inches. Also Pumpkin 1 has grown 8 inches over the last 5 days while Pumpkin 2 has only grown 5.25. Do you really think thet culling Pumpkin 1 will add enough Juice to # 2 so it starts growing fast enough to overtake it?

7/22/2011 11:48:27 AM

Minnesota

Since it's a poll, #2 ... Lots more plant behind the pumpkin .... More vine to set up for the stretch..

7/22/2011 2:13:13 PM

East Jordan, MI

yes I do believe that number two will overtake number one in just a matter of days if you give the chance. More leaves, vines, and roots behind it will almost assure this. The first 2 secondaries on each side will have very tired ragged leaves by seasons end, and may even be more than half of them gone. At 8 ft, you can't have more than 4 or 5 vines on each side behind the pumpkin, at 12 ft you should have at least 7 or 8 on each side if not more. That is nearly double the amount of plant to create and push carbs to that pumpkin.

7/22/2011 3:14:04 PM

Stanwood, Washington

Here is the first
http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=164221

and the second
http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=164222

7/22/2011 8:24:26 PM

Kentucky, U.S.A.

Number 2. You'll be suprised what number 2 will do when number 1 is gone, and not sucking the goodies. Number 2 has the advantage to grow larger with more plant behind it. These are just the facts and only the facts! BSD, David

7/22/2011 11:05:39 PM

Presto, Pa.

Thanks for all the replys. I am watching and learning. I will go down and cut my #2 pumpkin off. I was wondering if # 2 was slowing #1 down. I would of just cut the whole thing off at once. Thanks for everyone jumping in. ED

7/23/2011 12:02:17 PM

England, essex

just get out there and check!!!

just cut the one with the split stem,,, simples!

7/23/2011 12:34:50 PM

Kentucky, U.S.A.

According to your numbers the second one is the better selection, just a few days younger. Compare you day 15 numbers, number two is 1.75" ahead of number one. Your numbers answer the question for you! Don't cut number two, cut number one. BSD, David

7/24/2011 9:18:24 PM