From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Caceres, mid west of Spain

In your opinion, which are the main characteristics of a pumpkin plant that make her fruit to grow and grow, bigger than other ones, and to become a colossal pumpkin?
Don

1/26/2003 2:27:18 PM

[email protected]

Genetics if all else is OK. But are we making that assumption? I feel that genetics cannot make up for short comings in the cultural environment. But I will maintain that outstanding environmental conditions can easily push a fair pumpkin beyond the growth of a "super star" that's not ideally cared for. One SVB & the seasons over, even for an 845.

Is that you Carlos? Where's the Q?

Steve

1/26/2003 4:42:37 PM

So. Maine

Don , If I knew the main characteristics like you ask I'd be showing you a 1500 pound pumpkin in October. Lol ,Al

1/26/2003 5:30:19 PM

Deer Park WA

Hi Don Q, In my opinion the pinching and pruning of pumpkins, flowers, tertiary, and secondaries vines, in an effort to balance between plant and fruit plays a major roll in the pumpkins final weight. I may be wrong just my two cents worth........

1/26/2003 11:39:17 PM

Caceres, mid west of Spain

Steve, I have a little problem with the pc and have to change the id after reinstalling the windows 98. But I am Carlos for sure.
Well, my friends, I realize that I didn't say what I wanted to say, I'll go again.
Which visible characteristics of a plant itself, like vigour, secondary root growth, leaves size, vines diameter, stump diameter, leaves health, green colour, etc can influence the fruit growth tendency? Some growers like vigorous plants, some others like Vince Zunino like strong secondary root system plants, what do you think?
Don.......Don Quijote.........Carlos Perez

1/27/2003 3:38:29 AM

Deer Park, WI

I believe its in the root system. And if you think about it, it makes sense too. All the mass of the pumpkin comes from the ground. Water, minerals, etc, sucked up thru the roots and into the fruit. Maximizing development of the root system is the best way to promote fast, consistent weight gains. This is why vine burial is so important. If you are drinking a milkshake thru a straw, whats the best way to get more? Add another straw! Same goes for roots my friends.

1/27/2003 9:14:30 AM

Jamestown, NY

I agree with all of the above. The genetics have to be there to start with. The weather conditions can make or break(no pun intended) the season and the plant has to be maintained above and below ground. My patch is small so I do a lot of pruning. I think this is very important to growing a monster.

Tim B.

1/27/2003 5:49:45 PM