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Antwerp, Belgium

Hi,

On the same plant I have a pumpkin pollinated on July 1st and one on July 15th.

http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=317469

http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=317470

The one most recently pollinated is almost as big as his older brother and that after just 4 days.

Kind of a double question: at what size does one have to choose which one to cut off ? And is that fast growing little brother the best choice to keep or could there be a reason to stick with the older one?

Thanks in advance for any reaction!!

7/19/2020 5:09:30 PM

Central NY

You should hang on to the “back-up” until you are confident the chosen one is past the problem stage. That’s day 20 for us but we’ve also just went with one before...your “safe day” is how well you feel about it...good that you have an obvious choice but again...be sure...I like to recommend you do the s curves for both possibilities but make sure the one you are leaning towards is really set up to Minimize having to move the thing when it gets bigger.

7/19/2020 5:36:03 PM

Plainville, Connecticut 06062

Also depends on how big your plant is prior to your first pollination? Minimum for me 8 secondaries good ones to a side prior to the pumpkin and generally 10 feet out. Generally speaking your first pollination should be a pretty good size by day 14 and visually growing being the first on the vine to get the goodies! In my opinion it is somewhat rare to see your second one a full two weeks later pollinated bigger then your first! You must have several more good secondaries with that second one and if it is sitting at the sweet spot 13-16 feet or so out that would be my pick if the shape is good however like others have said, I would wait until day 20 to make sure it is still growing! So keep your back up just in case. I lost two this year at around day 20 and 22 they just stopped growing and I had a few days earlier removed there backups now the plants get pulled after all that hard work good luck.

7/19/2020 5:48:42 PM

Colorado

Your first pumpkin doesnt look set by your photos. When they get ribby/meaty looking early versus smooth and shiny they didnt take.

7/19/2020 8:03:43 PM