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Monrovia,CA

My 'chosen one' is at day 22 and 208" OTT. It's only growing about three inches a day at the Circumference when a few days ago it was producing 4,41/2". Should I be pushing it more? Should all secondaries be deadheaded by this time or do you incourage them to keep growing to fill in the patch? He gets watered everyday and fed liquid fert/fish combo every other day.

8/6/2003 10:14:24 PM

Montoursville, PA

Cut and burry all secondaries that are at the edge of the patch or ten feet long. You need about four hundred sq. ft. of secondaries between the stump and the fruit of choice.
The fruit will begin to take off when you terminate the ends of your secondaries. All further growth from the secondaries should be cut off as it appears. That includes un-needed flowers both male and female.

8/6/2003 10:23:10 PM

Monrovia,CA

Thanks Doc!!

Michelle

8/6/2003 11:07:06 PM

Chester Co., PA

Smaller circumference measurements are normal and do not mean less weight gain, as the pumpkin gets bigger each inch represents more weight. Example: when a 40" pumpkin adds one inch it equals 1.5 lbs., but when a 80" adds an inch it is 5 lbs.

Secondaries that get too long develop a 'mind of their own' and should not be allowed to grow passed 16 ft. Terminate them and bury the ends.

Be careful about 'pushing' the growth of your pumpkin, I think we have all split a big one while forcing it. Slow and steady will get you to the finish line in one piece.

8/7/2003 1:18:14 PM