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Pierreville, Quebec, Canada

I need some advice from some weathered pumpkin growers... this morning, while lifting my pumpkin friend, Annette, I inadvertently bent her stalk and there is a split in it. I immediately put some bleach/water solution on the split, but now I'm wondering if I should cut her off (16 days old) and start another one. I pollenated a flower this morning, but I had already cut the other fruit off (bad move, I guess!) My question: what would you do? Try to keep Annette or sacrifice her for a brand new pumpkin? Thanks for your help!!!!

7/23/2003 7:53:26 PM

Montoursville, PA

I just did the same dern fool thing. I was advised to poof the crack with fungicide, to keep the error in place while going to plan B. Sometimes, I am informed, that crack will heal. Keep it for now and also go to your plan B. Position plan B and deside at that time based on heal or lack of heal. If it gets ugly cetainly get it out of the patch.

Sorry you had the problem. Misery loves company. I have company! So do you. :)

7/23/2003 11:47:18 PM

Pierreville, Quebec, Canada

Sorry to hear about your pumpkin docgipe... I agree with your first sentence... I was darned annoyed with myself for having been so stupid!!! Unfortunately my crack is crosswise and there's water dripping out of it... looks bad!!! I'm waiting to see if the other one pollenated and I think I'll cull her... ouch... that'll hurt!!! I honestly feel like taping up the stalk or siliconing the hole, but I suppose that's not the greatest idea! Good luck with yours! Lesley

7/24/2003 10:09:59 AM

If you can position the vine so the vine holds together, it will heal (mor than likely). I am on my third cracked stem and all have, or are healing fine.

I mound dirt and use wire to hold the vine in position. The tighter the 'connection at the split, the better the heal.

There is good growth past the heal marks, so the adverse effects appear minimal. I don't know if it helps, but after 1 day I have dusted with captan and sprayed with Prune Sealer. it is a thick tar like arisal (sp?) spray. It seems to be working well.

I'll post some Pics next time I am on from home.

7/24/2003 12:52:42 PM

Also, it is very difficult to get a good connection if the break is close to the vine tip and is 'standing up'. In this case, it is best to reposition the vine on it's side.

Once it is healed, the vine will grow back on track. It is hard to explain, so I will post pics asap.

7/24/2003 12:57:19 PM

Montoursville, PA

Looking at my mess I just do not see position possible. Even after heal I am way out of desired position. This is a tight spot learning experience for sure. It is my fault! I slipped up by not starting to make the moves soon enough. Did not realize how difficult it could be as the fruit hits fifty or more pounds.

Plan B is at ten to fifteen pounds. Both vine and fruit seems to be moving nicely. Fingers crossed. Second slight move tonight and so on until we get it. "T" is a goal. :)

7/24/2003 1:33:15 PM

Long Island,New York

If at all possible, go with another fruit.....if not possible, enjoy what you can get with the cracked stem.No-one knows what effect a crack will have on a stem and anyone who tells you otherwise is making a leap....at such an early stage its best to go with an uncompromised fruit.......G

7/24/2003 4:18:17 PM

Caceres, mid west of Spain

New fruit...........Don

7/25/2003 12:21:23 AM