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New England

For me, I think any plant finds a way to optimally produce. How could you ever test how that particular seed would have grown a plant one way or another with a crack or no crack given the vast genetic combinations found in any particular seed? I can't imagine of a controlled ie all things equal scenario so let it ride or don't but everyone's opinion is probably right :-)

5/29/2026 7:26:26 PM

Grittyville, WA

The phloem flows at a slow rate, but it can and will enlarge to meet the demand. The xylem can flow at a high rate regardless of its size because it has no viscosity.

If the vine doesn't wilt or slow in growth then the only concern is probably infection. When grafting there is severe wilting and total interruption of both xylem and phloem. The phloem heals in about 4 days while the xylem heals in about five days. I think thats what I read. I think the only concern isn't whether it can heal (it can and then some) but whether the vine was briefly malnourished. You would see wilting or stunted (slowed) growth if there was any significant disruption to either the xylem or phloem. (Respectively.)

5/29/2026 7:39:55 PM

SF Bay Area, California

I have tried slowing a pumpkin down by cutting the vine halfway through - made no difference. If the cracked area heals and scabs over, the juice is simply routed around the damaged area. So, I think the biggest issue is rot. Make sure the crack is out of the dirt, protected from moisture and dust with sulfur powder...

5/30/2026 9:53:37 AM

Richmond, BC, Canada

I broke 2 of 4 ft long starters when transplanting. I broke 2 main vines. All 4 plants grew but the broken ones were clearly stunted. After 3 weeks the broken ones were only 1/2 the size of the unbroken ones.

5/30/2026 9:54:58 AM

East Sussex, UK

I discovered a big healed split 2 ft. before my pumpkin on the underside of the main. The pumpkin was about 90% as heavy as my PB so not too bad considering how big the split was. So, I would say it would probably have some effect, but not a massive one if it heals properly.

6/1/2026 6:41:36 AM