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Medford OR.

I have 3 pumpkins on one main.The largest is 117 ott at 11 feet out.The next is at 112 ott and 13 feet out.The last is 94 ott and is at 15 feet.The first one has slowed to a crawl,it is 19 days behind the second one and 23 days older than the third.The first was pollinated on june 23rd and looks almost done? The second looks near what the first looks like,although is is growing regularly at about 3 inches a day.The third grows at least five inches a day.I hate to but I think I need to cull the big one?How much more time should I wait to do it if I do?It is hard to just kill it at almost 43 pounds.Any thoughts?

7/25/2009 3:18:05 AM

Boise City, Oklahoma, USA

I just did this... yes if the first one seems to have slowed, it needs to come off. Compare the same day measurments (you say they are 32, 13, and 9 days old?)and cull at least #1 off.

I had a 18 day and a 5 day yesterday and I culled in favor of the 5. 46# tape and 40# on scale (bummed, 13% under, momvine was 19% over). It is very hard if it's your 'lead' pumpkin, to take the knife to it.

I am betting you have a middle sized plant and there are a lot of big secondaries between #1 and #3 and that will make a huge difference in gain on the ones farther down the main.

Let #2 and #3 go a few days, compare same day measurements and gains and decide that one. On #1, cut stem halfways first day and finish the second, else you stand a chance of the other two blowing from too big a surge from that one going away.

7/25/2009 9:46:13 AM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

For maximum weight it has to be done.

7/25/2009 2:48:29 PM

Farmville, Virginia (mfowler@hsc.edu)

I agree with tremor. Sacrifice...the harsh reality.

7/25/2009 8:25:03 PM

Medford OR.

Well,I cut it half way and will cut it off tomorrow,the way the numbers are going I think #2 might be next to get the knife.Thanks for the coaxing,I really needed a push.

7/26/2009 3:08:02 AM