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Bethlehem CT

I think those heal up pretty nicely if left alone. There was a year that I didn't see one when they happened and come harvest a a big callous "knuckle" where one of the splits has healed. I never even noticed it! 6 inches is sort of close maybe wait for the one at 15'.

5/29/2026 5:29:19 AM

Connecticut, USA

I think that will heal over and be fine. One coat hanger on each side to stabilize it. That female just down the line is probably too early anyway. Good luck Russ.

5/29/2026 6:01:18 AM

Upa Creek, MO

Going through exact same thing... leave alone and monitor growth after the split. It will change over the next couple weeks and start swelling\scabbing while healing. Think like a human scar but more gnarly. It's all superficial with a split like yours (hopefully)

5/29/2026 7:58:33 AM

Torrance, Ca.

It's funny you show this picture. I'm having this issue this year and so are a few guys I know. Mine are healing over but I've never had a year with numerous cracks like this on my main and side vines? It's almost like the plants are growing so fast the vine can't keep up?

5/29/2026 9:53:01 AM

Torrance, Ca.

And I just looked back, it's happening most on my main plant which is the 2154 Sperry.

Strange....

Again though,, they've all healed and I have 4 on my main.

5/29/2026 9:55:02 AM

Torrance, Ca.

And I just looked back, it's happening most on my main plant which is the 2154 Sperry like yours's Russ. Are you seeing it on the other plants too?

Strange....

Again though,, they've all healed and I have 4 on my main.

5/29/2026 9:57:03 AM

Grittyville, WA

If you grow a WR then we'll all have to get out and half snap our vines. In fruit trees, people have used girdling to increase fruit size or fruit set. I dont think a pumpkin plant is the same as a fruit tree, but truth is I dont know. Anyhow, what's your thinking Vineman?

[Last edit: 05/29/26 3:13:52 PM]

5/29/2026 10:41:49 AM

Grittyville, WA

Create a 2nd main using the best, or nearest, prior secondary, then do two pollinations? One on the backup main and one on the real main. See which kin looks the best at Day 10 ish? Its tedious plan, but maybe its a good plan.

5/29/2026 3:19:35 PM

Upa Creek, MO

When you create a new main, you have to straighten it out where the old main was and grow tertiaries as secondaries. That all won't fit (2 mains) and he'd be wasting a plant. He should go all in one or the other and I vote to keep the original main.

5/29/2026 4:55:29 PM

Grittyville, WA

Think of it more like a pitchfork pattern where each main would get its own left or right quadrant. There could be some temporary overlap of the vine tips. Eventually the growth of the losing vine would be halted. Its presence would still feed the chosen pumpkin but the emphasis on new growth would center around the winner.

https://bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=359342

Anyhow, not worth wasting word on when a quick sketch shows it better. Pink = the damaged spot.

5/29/2026 7:12:12 PM

Auburn California

I think you screwed the pooch with that main losing a large percentage of plumbing being shut down at the snapped portion of the vine. Never grew one on a secondary but we all know someone that has constantly knocked em out of the park on a secondary or teritiary.

5/31/2026 5:44:53 PM