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Amherst, WI

I remember years ago growing these big pumpkins I never had trouble getting them to germinate but I would have issues w/ them getting leggy in the pots. What do you all do to help prevent that? Thank you.

5/1/2026 10:24:46 PM

Germany

The combination of high temperatures and lack of light is the problem (IMHO). So, I usually keep the seeds and the potted germinated seeds at higher temperatures as long as they should develop fast and pop out of the soil. Thereafter, I place the pots somewhere where the seedling receives sufficient light, and temperatures are a bit lower.

5/2/2026 2:43:04 AM

C N Y

These are a great crop o' mine from '23; They were at this time in about a 50-60-degree environment, unheated with prolly a mini Home Essentials WalMart fan on low and oscillating - aimed up the fixtures' 'channels. Pretty sure that that helps with other factors and I'm hooked on it, regardless. *PLeasE* see the next post after the one provided also, with them lowered. At this low of a wattage (40 Watts X 2, with differing bulbs), the plants can grow around, above, in-with, etc. the bulbs. NEVER have they exhibited any 'burn' nor distortion from their closeness and touching them. At 1" (one inch) above the leaves, 24/7, with no on nor off cycle, short-Mama seedlings will be prevalent. Upon planting day approaching, moving them from under these butt still very nearby can be used to naturally tilt the plants, extend the stems a quarter-inch-plus to prevent the seed leaves from touching the soil outdoors and 'begin' acclimation to the outdoors. Acclimation indoors is *not my thing* because legginess results(!). There may be comments about the plants' photoperiod, butt it's all about what >you< want. They will eventually (2 weeks++) grow to unmanageability, where I've been known to trim them, butt this method buys as much time as anyone could need, AND prevents legginess. Now, about my next GF...different story! Take care, be well and grow 'em BIG---after this, lol---eg
PS---The same result MAY be attained by using WalMart Great Value 200-Watt replacement/equivalent LED bulbs,
dangled in and about on the end of an extension cord into a 5-gallon bucket, butt I will need to exhibit that some other day.
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https://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=337506

[Last edit: 05/02/26 3:14:51 AM]

5/2/2026 3:04:47 AM

Grittyville, WA

I don't try to prevent it, because later on a long stem causes the plant to lay down easier (aside from rolling in the wind). You could try more micronutrients or secondary nutrients and less npk (potassium mostly)? Not sure which if any nutrients might be involved, in your setup. Pumpking might have already stated the answer.

5/2/2026 2:23:13 PM

C N Y

Not the ONLY one.
Let's work together. eg

[Last edit: 05/02/26 10:22:49 PM]

5/2/2026 10:17:44 PM

Western NY

Brighter lights

5/3/2026 8:38:47 AM

Germany

...and Art Garfunkel would sing:
'Bright lights, burning like fire
Bright lights, keeping 'em close avail
How can the lights that burn so brightly
Suddenly turn the fate?
Bright lights'

[Last edit: 05/03/26 9:44:54 AM]

5/3/2026 9:42:19 AM