From

Location

Message

Date Posted

West Manchester, OH

Just curious on what everyone's experience is with both. Im antsy about my new pumpkin patch and want the best results. Im growing Field Pumpkins with Giant Pumpkins close by but not in the same patch

2/17/2012 7:16:18 PM

valparaiso, in

I like starting mine indoors, because I get to see which way the first true leaf is growing. Then I can plant according to that. With direct sowing you have no idea which way it will go.

2/17/2012 7:36:21 PM

Pataskala,OH

Indoors is the best choice, otherwise you have to worry about poor germination or birds eating the seeds.

2/17/2012 9:01:32 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

pendog, from what lil I have learned over the years, AG seed germination improves w/ elevated heat levels. So, I would advise starting indoors in a germination chamber!!! Lot's of ideas are floating around here. Direction of plant growth counts too, but doesn't matter if the seed does not germinate!! LOL Peace, Wayne

2/18/2012 2:31:13 AM

West Manchester, OH

I have over 500 smaller pumpkin varieties in the patch so i dont think they will be germinated inside lol. But the AG or whatever Giant Pumpkin seeds i get will be done inside

2/19/2012 9:44:09 AM

West Manchester, OH

500 plants, not different varieties.. Taking the tractor out today to till up more property

2/20/2012 12:26:10 PM

Fort Collins Colorado

do you recommend starting them about now? This is my first attempt at an AG. how big of a container do you use indoors? What type of light? thanks

2/20/2012 3:49:32 PM

Mt Vernon Ky

Slow down Start around last of April plant around may 1

2/20/2012 5:53:46 PM

Ely Mn

you dont want to keep them in a pot for more than about two weeks.they have a huge root system and they will get root bound in the pots.

2/20/2012 6:45:17 PM

Minnesota

Supremegrower, file the sides of the seeds lightly, soak them in water for a few hours, put them in container with seed starting soil, in container 7-10 days or so, the seedling will grow in the direction opposite the 3rd true leaf, you can direct it, it will go for 35 or so feet. I don't know if you have squash vine borers, they are a big enemy of giant pumpkin growers. When you start germinating start 2 or 3 and keep the one that is growing best.

2/20/2012 6:51:12 PM

Rapid City, SD

indoors always

2/20/2012 7:40:38 PM

Minnesota

Supremegrower, on the first page here, go to Links, scroll down, there is a Colorado growers club.

2/20/2012 8:31:57 PM

Hinckley MN

Seed starting timing goes like this:
1- pick the fall weighoff you want to go to.
2- count backwards 90-100 days to your estimated polination date.
3- count backwards another 60-70 days to your transplant date.
4- count back another 10-14 days to your seed starting date.

That is a good starting point, and as you gain experience you will tailor your start dates to your growing conditions. This is my second year, so I'm still trying new things.

2/23/2012 10:55:39 AM

Colorado

Inside with ag's -Cant afford a one of seed not sprouting

3/7/2012 3:36:38 PM

Fort Collins, CO

Thanks for all the advice guys. Richard thank you for the seeds. hope all is growing well. How bright of light do you use indoors? I am used to propagating indoors under a heat mat and chamber. I will file them down and give it a shot. do you use HID lights indoors or just a CFL? thanks

3/16/2012 2:53:38 PM