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Mount Vernon, Washington

Do pumpkins just stop growing for no reason? I have culled a 18" & one at 38" with seemingly no problems. They just stopped growing and turn white. Is this normal? The weird thing is the vine the pumpkin are on keep growing after the pumpkin has stopped. The pumpkins look great on the outside, the vines look good, no bugs that I have found. I haven't tested the soil but the rest of the garden is growing great. Any ideas? Or is it just my frustration of being a new grower?

8/19/2012 1:49:45 AM

Rhode Island

mojo

to answer your question? NO,pumpkins do not stop growing without a reason.unless of course they have been growing for months and have reached the end of their life cycle.

those are very small,young,recently pollinated fruits. they aborted because of any number of reasons --- heat-poor soil-excess water-any number of things, etc.

aborts do happen even to the best of growers at times.thats why its good to pollinate three on the main vine and choose the most agressive a week or two later.

growing giant pumpkins is nothing like tomatoes ,beans or summer squash.

8/19/2012 5:38:12 AM

Mount Vernon, Washington

Thanks, weirdly enough that makes me feel better. Thing is I can usually grow anything outdoors ( my poor indoor plants get so jealous), but I am learning that this is a whole new world. So I will keep plodding along. Thanks again.

8/19/2012 12:01:16 PM

Rhode Island

mo
if you truely want to be a giant pumpkin grower. you certainly can. we all started out knowing nothing or next to nothing. its not rocket science but, you do need skill,edcuation,devotion and a willingness to invest $ into the soil and plant.
without any of those it will not happen.
pap

8/19/2012 1:04:02 PM

Mount Vernon, Washington

Thanks Pap. Now that I have been challenged by this plant I've already started plannIng for next year.

8/19/2012 5:39:29 PM