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Cincinnati,OH

From what I have read too much potassium either makes your pumpkin grow so fast it blows up or it makes your pumpkin quit growing and ripen. Is there some relation to the size and age of the pumpkin that causes such different results?

8/5/2005 12:38:41 PM

Eastern Pennsylvania

I've been using 0-0-16 exclusively for 6 days now in heavy amounts. No blowouts yet. The pumpkins range from 37 days right down to 10 days. Most are about 30 days. I have very orange strains and the oranger ones have small white/yellow blotches all over and lighter coloration inbetween the ribs where the new grow is occuring. the 10 day one is growing very, very fast.

8/5/2005 1:27:56 PM

Western NY

I have witnessed someone pour on the K (0-0-60) when the fruit was about 4-500#, and going at a 1000+ pace. brought the thing to a crawl.

myself, i am on the agro-k program (when i have time/energy to spray), and a very light K is incorporated into the program.

as for the soil drenches, nothing but fish and seaweed.

8/5/2005 1:37:48 PM

Dillsburg, PA

I cut down on the high ferts this year only use fish/seaweed and ironite in small amounts. My plants look better and last longer here in the hot sun. In the past I have had prematuring of leaves/plant in August. Now the plant looks very good still.

8/5/2005 2:26:42 PM

Eastern Pennsylvania

Jeff- what is the Ironite for? Is it to add iron or does it do more than that? My soil here has tons of minerals in it naturally.

8/5/2005 2:59:31 PM

Cincinnati,OH

I used 0-0-60 sparingly last year at about day 30. It seemed like growth slowed down but I guess it does anyway after day 30 or so. I'm trying a balanced fert. this year.
Maybe I should try the seaweed extract since its high in K.

8/5/2005 3:19:46 PM

Canada

Father and Myself have been useing 20-20-20 at 1/2 suggested Bottle Rate which is ( plant prod 20-20-20)
calls for 15 ml per 3.8 liters of water, we are mixing at the rate of 1 teaspoon per 4 liters of water and applying in a dep drench every saturday mourning, One thing I am doing and father is not is every other evening once the sun is not so hit is i mix a pinch of seaweed extract and one eye drop of mollases into an 355ml bottle sprayer and i got out and spray my entire plant tops and bottom of leafs and main vine and all secondarys, the leafs on this plant are all nice dark green and very large and teh fruit are growing well, I currently have an 9 day fruit touching 30 " circum.

DaveM

8/5/2005 10:00:27 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

Any program involving supplemental nutrients should be based on standards. The standards establish the guidance. This makes good decisions possible. A local mentor can usually help.

Points to consider:

1.) Soil test results.
2.) Leaf tissue nutrient test results.
3.) Annual rainfall (potash leaches a bit).
4.) Source, salt index & solubility of the nutrient used.
5.) Timing.
6.) Insect &/or disease pressure.
7.) Experience (trial & error to some).

Willy nilly applications at "all over the board" rates are NOT a good idea even if it works well for another grower somewhere else.

Used properly, supplemental potash in the back half (timed right - experience) can keep a good fruit growing longer. Timed or applied incorrectly & the fruit will split or finish early.

Rates & timing are key where appropriate.

8/5/2005 11:28:09 PM

Ohio

When is the timing usually right? How do you know when to use it so it dont shut your fruit factory down?

Brooks

8/6/2005 10:10:19 PM