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sevierville, Tn

I guess thats what to call the other vines off the stump, fingers ?? Anyway, how much does it matter if the fruit is on a finger or on the main vine. Some of my plants you can't tell the difference, but others there is a BIG difference. Like 50%. The reason i ask is on the 267 edwards, the main has a split on the vine, seems to be ok, but wondering if i should set on a finger ? Thanks
Also, MMM when you talk about fruit length at pollination, you mean just the baby fruit, not the flower when measuring right? Thanks

6/19/2009 2:31:23 PM

Rochester, Minnesota

The fruit length does not include the flower or the stem.

I like to think that the main stem would be the best, but darn it, I can't seem to get a good melon placed on it. My largest melons have all been raised on fingers and not the main.

I am way behind this year, and I don't think I will be setting fruit in June, which is sort of my goal. I hope setting the fruit later might mean that I am working with larger starting fruit.

6/19/2009 2:45:18 PM

sevierville, Tn

Thanks MMM, i am getting females but all are 1.3 to 1.8 cm in size. I wish i knew what mine was last year. Anyway, so far i'm just cutting em off. they are the 1st females on the main & the fingers. Hope the 2nd set is longer as i will go with them. Hope you get some warm weather !

6/19/2009 10:57:06 PM

Mt.Pleasant,Iowa

I have the 251 Mudd plant with 2 melons set on. The one is longer on the main vine and a shorter melon on the side vine or finger. The main vine grew fast at first but now the finger melon is growing 4 pounds a day and the main is only 1-2 pounds and has past the main pumpkin in weight now.

6/20/2009 12:44:22 PM

Rochester, Minnesota

Marty, Which melon looked better at pollination time? Which was longer at pollination? Which looks like it will make a nicer looking finished product? It's tough to choose, but choose you must. It's heart breaking to reach down and break the stem of one of them.

6/22/2009 10:47:04 AM

sevierville, Tn

Marty, man thats a tough choice you got there. I like the longer main one better, but its so much slower then the other. Is that because the finger one is sucking the strength ??? I'd say that which ever you choose will be right, the energy will go to the 1 remaining. GOOD LUCK !

6/22/2009 2:11:06 PM