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New Brunswick

I cut off a couple of 75 plus pounders within the past two weeks....and only one of the three did not spoil. In fact, the other two spoiled within a week...I mean rotted. Do they have to be so old before they can be stored? I did leave these two in the patch, right where they were cut off. I had no idea they would spoil so quickly. Surely, when I harvest mine around the third week in September, they will keep to Halloween. Any views on this?

8/26/2003 5:34:02 PM

Bobcaygeon Ontario

leave them on the vine as long as possible even if you have to cover them from frost. They will store once they mature if you keep them cool and dry. Your culls just were not mature yet. How did your Gardner 640.5 do? Good Luck.........Doug

8/26/2003 7:19:21 PM

New Brunswick

Hi Doug.....the 640 Gardner was my most vigorous plant with the earliest set. However, I pulled a stupid and allowed the first pumpkin to grow on top of its vine....with the inevitable result.....the vine split back beyond the pumpkin stem. I cut the offending vine off and sprinkled sulpher in the vine split wrapped it with first cloth and then I unwrapped it, glued it and wrapped it in black electricians tape. I took it off a few days later and left it open to the air. The vine remained split for about two inches lengthwise. The pumpkin continued to grow however, and today OTT was 219 weighing 229 pounds. I culled one from the plant ( a slower grower) and allowed another one to grow. Its Ott was 203 today, (weighs 186 pounds.) Both are beautiful shaped light coloured pumpkins. I will take some pics tomorrow so you can see them in my diary. Did you grow any of this seed? How are yours doing this year?

8/26/2003 10:01:56 PM

Bobcaygeon Ontario

I didn't grow the 640 this year. I wish I had grown one to see how it would do, maybe next year......take care...Doug

8/27/2003 6:23:22 PM