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Bolton Mass

Today, my pumpkin suddenly developed a large crack. It doesn't go all the way into the cavity, but it's very long. How do I know if I can save the pumpkin? I saw posts about using clear silicone caulking compound but don't know if that's appropriate here. This is my first year growing, so any help with what can be done for this pumpkin would be appreciated--as well as how to prevent this in the future. Is it just growing too fast? Could I be watering too much (the soil is moist but isn't saturated)? Thanks.

8/21/2009 7:24:54 PM

where is the crack?

8/21/2009 9:58:39 PM

Upstate S.C.

I have the same thing on mine. It's looks a grow rip or tear more than anyting. Someone said hot wax but im not sure, its on the very top. Looking forward to some answers as well.

8/21/2009 11:53:14 PM

Bolton Mass

The crack is sort of diagonally across the pumpkin, closer to the blossom end, but not really at either end. It's probably 6" from the blossom end and extends farther from the end. It rained last night and again this morning, so it's also now wet.

8/22/2009 12:54:36 PM

dry it off (fan/hairdryer) and dust with sulphur, captan, or any dry fungicide

tarp the fruit at least until it heals, keep a close eye on it for any rot from here on out

8/22/2009 1:50:36 PM

Upstate S.C.

Mine has dry sulphur powder on it, but has started to become mushy around the edge of the rip. Im not sure, I belive its will get bigger and bigger, and then go all the way through. But I' cross my fingers.

8/23/2009 3:52:45 PM

Rhode Island

you need to scrape off that mushy flesh around the edges . then reapply the sulfer and put a fan on the area.

8/24/2009 5:51:22 AM

Bolton Mass

After drying the pumpkin, I put dry fungicide (copper) on the area, and so far no sign of rot. However, the crack has widened, and has gotten longer. The pumpkin has definitely kept growing.... I have covered the pumpkin to try to keep it dry. Any other tips? Also, any tips to keep this from happening in the future? Thanks for the advice.

8/26/2009 11:47:37 PM

Upstate S.C.

Hmmm, mine was not so fortunate. Its going down.

8/27/2009 3:45:55 PM

Bolton Mass

A (belated) thanks for the advice--the crack has grown, but the pumpkin is still going, and no rot yet. Does anyone have suggestions to keep this from happening in the future? Is tendency to crack genetic, or did I do something to cause this (watering, missing nutrient, etc.)?

9/11/2009 10:27:04 PM