From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Western PA

We finally got some needed rain last Thursday of Friday, 7/8". I was watering daily prior to the rain event with drip tape. I stopped for a few days since the patch did not need any for 3 days. Pumpkin growth has been very good. After the rain I noticed slightly more growth per day, but this may just be the age where they ramp up in gains. Today they are at day 39,35, and around 27 ( cant remember without looking in diary).

To make a long story short, I noticed that while cutting some older and newer growth off yesterday, that the stalks had a lot of water in them.
Is this a sign that the plant has too much water ?

I have been taping one pumpkin in particular because it is smaller and easier to tape accurately. It slowed way down according to todays measurements. It went from 35# a day two days in a row , then 23 # today. It should be going up in gains as it is less than 30 days old still. Stump and main look good.
My soil is dry between the drip tape, but only on the surface. Spacing is 18 inches between them.
I'm sure a tissue test would be a good idea at this stage. plant looks very good besides the massive leaves and stalks.

I would like to hear what Matt D. has to say about the leaf stalks retaining water or anyone else if you may know.

7/28/2016 3:21:56 PM

Upa Creek, MO

Interesting, I'd like to hear as well. I have as much as 2 ounces flood out when I cut some stalks.

7/28/2016 3:37:40 PM

Hadley Ny

Accidentally cut a leaf in one of my patches thinking it was a male for pollination and my buddy couldn't believe how much water came out. Generally as long as they're sending water there is a reason. If worried..cover the end with vaseline to stem water seepage. This can also be done when you terminate your vines before burying.

7/28/2016 3:57:08 PM

Central NY

I save mine for days 35-50....wait....what?

7/28/2016 5:29:00 PM

Western PA

Also, the past 2 days have been great weather, low 60's at night low 80s daytime.

7/28/2016 5:40:10 PM

Rhode Island

Frank? ( zappa)

not uncommon at all for water to collect in leaf stalks. happens all the time. possibly some sort of plant H2O reserve for the vines to draw from?
obviously though if you over water then more will collect than after average watering.

For that reason we have used a moisture meters these past couple years.strive to keep between 45-55 percent moisture under plants.

a fine line here. to little moisture and the plant suffers , to much ? and root issues soon to follow.

Pap

7/28/2016 5:47:46 PM

Walhalla, ND.

What are the root issues pap?
Kc

7/28/2016 9:06:05 PM

Western PA

I would guess fusarium and such.

7/28/2016 9:47:31 PM

Western PA

ok, I should have done a google search before I asked this question. this is a reply a few years ago from Matt D.

My personal opinion is that I want to see water in the leaf stalk as this tends to indicate sufficient hydration of the plant. The important note is that the water should be clear. The tea colored water is an indication of fussarium but I believe the water stared clear and then the fussarium replicated in the water and turns the water an off color.

"If the water is clear and originates from the internal components of the plant I do not think this will cause any issues. The root systems on these plants are truly amazing. The only plant that may rival a giant pumpkin for root development and water transport is a long gourd."

Their was a mess of replies on this issue. In my case the stalks were young and old. As long as the liquid is clear and no foul odor, I'm saying it must be normal, from the reading I did.

7/28/2016 9:58:16 PM