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Deepwoods

i see many growers talking about what they typically get for growth in september.many are posting 200-300lbs. mine usually shut down about sept 1 and rarely see signif. numbers. what are the key factors for getting these things to achieve those type of numbers?? if someone could help me add 100lb thatd be great.

9/4/2012 10:58:10 AM

Wi

Climate in the months of July and August probably accounts for about 90% of what your gains can be in September. If you are scorching hot during the summer then gains will be less. Cool summers add life to the plants and they will gain weight longer.

9/4/2012 11:17:07 AM

Mill Bay, British Columbia

For us in the Pacific Northwest, it is the nice Indian Summers that we ususally get in September (meaning good summer type weather).

Plant health is very important and Chris touched on that in a previous posting.

http://www.bigpumpkins.com/msgboard/ViewThread.asp?b=3&p=450096

9/4/2012 11:21:18 AM

Deepwoods

thanks guys.

9/4/2012 11:25:43 AM

Little-TON - Colorado

Glen,

How haZ your year been temp wiZe?.... Normal for CO is around 34 days of 90 through out the summer.... Think our current record now has been 64 for this year....today maybe the last for 2012.

At least from my patch...the high tempZ are going to result in record low weightZ>... But where we are too HOT, other placeZ will be JUST RIGHT>... so interested in seeing what our weigh offZ produce......I see another BIG ONE coming down from Wyoming....

9/4/2012 12:03:04 PM

Mill Bay, British Columbia

Wiz,

This year was low 70's in July, mid 80's for August and will be low 70's for Septmeber.

Our overnight temps were sub 50 degrees in June, maybe 60 in July and 70's in August...now back to sub 50 degree nights.

9/4/2012 12:39:25 PM

Eastern Pennsylvania

I've been predicting a lot of huge ones from the Northeast this year. Because for every one of our 95-102° days in Eastern PA they were able to hit that prime 85° a few states up.

9/4/2012 1:16:07 PM

Zurich, Ontario Canada

I have everything on my side this year. Lots of green leaves,good weather. The only problem is my main at the stem is oozing like a volcano. I have sraped so much of this smelly crap off that I won't have a stem left in a few weeks!!! And now we have hot humid weather and rain. Perfect recipe for a disaster!!!

9/4/2012 1:55:03 PM

Torrance, Ca.

You just described my weather to a tee Glenn!


I might have to look into a green house???? HHMMMMMMMMMMMMM?????????


There go the wheels spinning again!


Is there an off switch :):):)

9/4/2012 3:18:34 PM

Muddy Waters

A Cloudy sept can hurt your gains also.

9/4/2012 5:41:07 PM

Cincinnati,OH

I typically get 85 to 90% of my weight by day 60.

9/4/2012 6:20:51 PM

Deepwoods

So in general, how old are the fruit your taking to weigh ( in a perfect world with no problems)

9/4/2012 7:57:09 PM

Weedville,pa

Ron, in my VERY limited experience growing here in north-central PA I seem to hit the same numbers you do. We had a terrific season until we had a stretch in August with daytime highs in the 60's and overnight lows in the low 40's. My pumpkins' OTT growth came to a screeching halt and hasn't picked up much even with a recent stretch of nice temps and good rainfall.

9/4/2012 9:41:10 PM

Mill Bay, British Columbia

Our pumpkins are usually 90-100 days old by the time we get them on the scales.

9/5/2012 12:25:36 AM

Deepwoods

same here hillbilly. when the temps went to 60/45 a few weeks i stopped. when they picked back up its has been very slow. that cold weather really did a number on them.

9/5/2012 7:48:44 AM

Rhode Island

we have experienced growth in sept from 175 to 350 total pounds

KEY FACTORS FOR LARGER SEPT GROWTH
a early july vs a mid june pollination date
genetic history of the seed (like 1161 grows late season)
condition of late plant growth(why we like big plants)
weather ( the real equalizer)

KEY FACTORS FOR LESSER SEPT GROWTH
a mid june pollination date (i still like this idea)
poor conditions and size of plant (late season growth can really be hampered due to existing condition of plant and past soil/plant problems)
weather (always a concern late season-nothing shuts a plant down like cold weather)

every once in a while though.if you stick around the hobby long enough?, you will grow a plant/pumpkin that crushes the odds.
in spite of poor weather,early pollination date, or size of plant? its like tha little engine that could.
it does not know its supposed to stop. and guess what? those are the ones tha make you come back year after year.

pap

9/5/2012 9:43:52 AM

Torrance, Ca.

Sounds like one of the rare fishing trips I get on!


Great stuff pap!

9/5/2012 10:13:28 AM

Deepwoods

besides the 1161, what others are known for late growing?

9/5/2012 10:28:45 AM

Saegertown Pa.

The 1421.5 Stelts is another one that keeps on going.

9/5/2012 1:17:39 PM

Little-TON - Colorado

1288 Wallace was another.......

9/5/2012 2:33:18 PM

Torrance, Ca.

The way Donkins is growing,,,,,,,,,,,,,, that thing might have a 90 foot main and still putting on weight come October!!!

9/5/2012 4:47:02 PM

Perry Iowa USA

Great info--I always find out how much I don't know but also more hope for next year!

9/5/2012 11:22:38 PM

Joliet, IL

In the past, longer than average growing pumpkins was only considered to be based on plant health or growers experience. It is good to hear heavy hitters like Pap and Quinn share there thoughts on certain seeds that seem to have a genetic switch that doesn't kick in until later on. Longevity of fruit growth cycle found in some tomato and other fruIting plants is possibly a genetic trait as well to be the next step in breeding that pushes the weights to the next level.

9/6/2012 9:31:49 AM