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Nauvoo, Alabama

The main vine broke when it was about 20 inches long. I let the previous secondary take the place as the main.
The first two secondaries near the stump are the most vigorous vines and larger females.
Would those first secondary vines grow a larger melon or would the secondary that takes the place of the main grow the largest melon?
Or does it really matter?

6/26/2015 10:36:55 AM

formerly RGG

It would probably be best to let several melons set on and watch carefully and measure to find which melon is growing fastest and the fastest growing one would become your keeper melon.

6/26/2015 1:16:57 PM

formerly RGG

Secondaries off the stump often grow very large melons.

6/26/2015 6:55:27 PM

sevierville, Tn

any one should be good. the "finger vines" (vines off the stump) grow good melons. As dennis said, take the best growing one. With the heat we have had, any good shape melon should be fine.

6/26/2015 8:21:01 PM

Nauvoo, Alabama

Thank you for the information.

Yesterday was Hot...but rain last night and temps will be perfect for pollination today and the rest of the week.

I have pollinated one on the secondary Main yesterday while it was hot and pollinating one on each stump secondary this morning.
I'm liking one of the stump secondaries.

Will watch growth for a few days??? and make a selection.

6/27/2015 8:22:17 AM

sevierville, Tn

you should know in 6-8 days which to keep.
p.s. My 291 & 297 were both on finger vines. I think Bill Edwards 316 was too !

6/27/2015 11:03:55 AM

Nauvoo, Alabama

that gives me hope for something worth talking about.
curious.. why is it called a finger vine? and not a secondary?

6/27/2015 12:44:38 PM

sevierville, Tn

Mainly to differentiate between vines off the main vine(secondary) and vines off the stump(finger). They are technically the same thing, but the finger vines grow very strong i guess due to direct access to the flow from the roots .

6/27/2015 3:27:27 PM

Mulino, Oregon

how far out do you normally pollinate a melon?

6/27/2015 9:23:00 PM

sevierville, Tn

This year, where ever i can get one... currently at 20+ feet on the laggards thanks to the heat and stubborn plants! LOL Normally about 10-15 feet

6/28/2015 12:12:08 PM