From

Location

Message

Date Posted

canal winchester ohio

Culling question here, I had a fruit set on the 1st,2nd & 3rd secondaries all on the right hand side of the main. I culled the one on the 3rd 2 days ago & the 1st & 2nd grew FAST the following day ( from 26" circ. to 32" circ. in 1 day) They both developed lenghwise stem splits from the growth but that's no worry as it will heal over. My problem is how or when to cull the other one. I'm afraid if the fruit is still to small to handle it , it might blow up.
By the way I still have 7 more fruit on this plant to help control early "blowups". 4 total on right side secondaries, 3 on left side secondaries & 2 on the main vine. I'm having problems setting fruit on the main because the plant was growing so fast. I had to terminate the main at 25' to temper it a bit & then I let the last secondary take over as a new main to keep the plant feeling "young".

7/18/2002 11:39:56 AM

Tacoma, WA

Paul,
It would probably be best not to sever the stem to the pumpkin completely in one day. Cut 1/3 through on each of the next three days.

Stan

7/18/2002 12:20:50 PM

Mid Michigan

I have to agree with Stan, Paul......from what i've read, that's the way to do it so you dont get a blow-up.
Good luck buddy!!

7/18/2002 3:16:18 PM

Commack, NY

hack it off in one shot! LOL.......just kidding.......a little over the next few days is the way to go buddy.

scott

7/18/2002 6:46:58 PM

canal winchester ohio

Hey guys, thanks for the help. I've made my mind up to go with my #3 pollinated & cull my #1. #3 was 91" total yesterday & goes 103" this morning. I'll do it over a 3 day period & hope all goes well. The stem splits on #3 seemed deep at first but now it appears as though the "ravine" at the bottom of the split is actually rising up & becoming flush with the rest of the stem. Has anyone seen this before?

7/19/2002 8:21:10 AM