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Location

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United States

I have a small plot and am going to cull one of my plants soon. One has more leaves and a longer main, and one is slightly smaller with larger leaves, but is by far the widest main vine I have ever had. What do people think matters most? If the wide main vine was way behind I'd go with the big plant. If they were even sized, I would go with the wide vine. Decisions, decisions...
Thoughts? Mostly looking for experience with very large diameter main vines.

6/7/2016 12:04:46 PM

Ireland

Ive been in this exact situation this week just gone. I decided to go for the thicker vines and sliwer plant than the faster grower with thinner vines. I think its personal preference really especially on unproven seeds. Id personally go with the thicker vine.

6/7/2016 2:17:02 PM

Minnesota([email protected])

Are the plants both the seeds from the same pumpkin? If not, I'd likely go with the plant from the seed I was most excited to grow. If they came from the same pumpkin, then I don't know. An interesting question.

6/7/2016 3:29:05 PM

United States

They are both from proven monsters (thanks Joe at the St. Croix Growers!), so no real genetic tiebreaker to speak of.

The thing that is tough with a small patch is I never get to see this play out to find out what happens.

6/7/2016 3:56:44 PM

Colorado

Go with the one that genetically can grow what youre after pumpkinwise. Were growing fruit not salad.

6/7/2016 5:55:19 PM

Minnesota([email protected])

I think the question then is: does a thicker main vine generally result in a larger pumpkin? Is that what you are wondering Oster? If so, I'd be curious to hear some opinions on this.

6/7/2016 7:34:02 PM

Eugene,OR

Several years ago there was a similar post to this post. I believe that Dick Wallace said that one their world records has been grown on a plant with thin vines. Personally I like a big fat vine that can deliver a lot of juice to my pumpkin!

6/7/2016 9:23:49 PM

Eastern Pennsylvania

I like the thicker stockier plant.

6/8/2016 8:29:05 AM

United States

Doug14,

In essence, yes. What is the data on thick vines? Logic would of course follow it helps, but what opportunity cost are you willing to give up for that? The other plant is throwing great side vines like crazy, so I am leaning that way. Any additional thoughts on thick mains is appreciated!

6/8/2016 12:27:18 PM

Colorado

Vine diameter is genetic. 1161 rodonis and 1495 stelts/1625 gantner strains tend to have vines on the skinny side. I wouldn't cull one over the other because of vine diameter.

6/9/2016 4:56:25 PM

United States

Thanks Cojoe. I ended up culling the thick vine one as the other plant was just clearly bigger and more vigorous.

6/13/2016 10:40:50 AM