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Tauranga, New Zealand

Hi I am new to this pumpkin growing. We live in New Zealand and in the middle of the pumpkin growing season. This is my problem. Two pumpkins set early and grew well. Took off the the slowest growing pumpkin BUT stupid me at the same time took off alot of the vines because I thought pumpkin would grow faster without it. Pumpkins growth is slow now. It is being watered well and fed. New vines are growing but what else can I do to get it to grow faster. Only is averaging 2.5 inches per day growth taken from all 3 measurements. Anyhelp would be greatly appreciated.

1/12/2010 11:59:39 PM

South East

The vines growing will take away growth from the pumpkin. Stop vine growth, let the pumpkin run its course, use off season to learn more and try again next year. You learned a valuable lesson this year,,lol. ( did the same, the first time i grew)

1/13/2010 7:37:46 AM

Eastern Pennsylvania

how many vines/leaves are left to support the pumpkin now? how old is the pumpkin exactly?

1/13/2010 10:12:25 AM

Tauranga, New Zealand

There is approx 40 leaves on the main vine and there approx 15 on each run off vine. The pumpkin is 30 days old. So do I cut off the run off vines?

1/13/2010 1:26:12 PM

Tauranga, New Zealand

And is there any point continuing to feed it etc. Yesterday its measurments were 38-26-28. We are also experiencing a cold snap and pumpkin has only grown 1.5 inches over all the measurments since yesterday.

1/13/2010 1:28:30 PM

Covington, WA

I would terminate the ends of the secondary vines at this point. Continue to feed and water and don't measure for a few days. I firmly believe that the rate of growth is inversely proportionate to the frequency of measurement. Are the vine buried? Are weeds under control? Manage the things you can and don't worry to much about what you can't control.

1/13/2010 3:26:11 PM

Tauranga, New Zealand

I have weeded and buried the vines yesterday. Si I suppose not much else I can do. Thank you for your help. Maybe next time a better pumpkin.

1/13/2010 4:11:57 PM

South Finland pumpkinfinland@gmail.com

What seeds you are growing? I didnt notice if you mentioned what seeds you grow but if they are from garden store they probably are best way to try giants.

1/15/2010 1:21:30 PM

Tauranga, New Zealand

For the competiton you purchase the plant which was atlantis giant from the garden centre.

1/16/2010 4:01:13 AM

South Finland pumpkinfinland@gmail.com

Biggest problem might be here that your plant is from commercially atlantic giant seed. Those seeds are not capable to grow monsters you see on this site. For next year I would suggest you to look on seed exhange message board, folks here are giving their seeds out and with those you can grow way bigger than now.

1/16/2010 6:13:11 AM

Minnesota

Send me your address and I'll send you some seeds capable of growing giants, if you like, I'll take care of postage.
www.fogsurfer313@yahoo.com

1/16/2010 8:58:21 AM

Owensboro, Ky.

Sonicka, ditto what Richard said...send me your mailing addy, and I will send a few seeds!! Peace, Wayne
wsmpeace@bellsouth.net

1/17/2010 6:23:03 PM

Tauranga, New Zealand

thanks you guys for the offer of seeds. Will email later today.

1/17/2010 7:44:46 PM

Rhode Island

read ,read, and read some more, is the remedy you need. lots of fantastic books out their for your learning pleasure.
id also suggest contacting a successful grower in your area.
nothing beats a first hand look.
good seeds, good soil ,sun, good plant management skills, are what you need.
with all the information and products available today? you can cut years off the learning curve.
pap

1/18/2010 8:40:37 AM

New Zealand

hi sonicka,
im growing a big pumpkin in the franklin district.
if you need help email me. ivoandkim@xtra.co.nz
you can see the pumpkin in the growers diary.

cheers

2/8/2010 1:56:23 AM

Pimpama Australia

Sonicka don't forget to write Cucbita Maxima on the back of your bubble pack or you may have trouble getting them past customs. This happened to me one year. I am growing in Whangarei but am still learning too.

2/21/2010 2:28:33 PM