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Nottingham, UK

I have been waiting patiently for my first female at 12' to open and this is what I got
http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=162261
and
http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=162260

Would this be an inherited trait or a random one. I pinched the fruit off am am worried if others will be the same?

7/7/2011 5:23:39 AM

Germany

Be an optimist, the next one could be much better. At least, I have made the experience that flowers of very different quality may emerge from exactly the same plant. This means, some could have seeds exposed, others don´t, some could have deformations of their four or five lobes, some don´t, some of them could have four lobes, some have five. Just to be on the safe side you will harvest a big one this year, you should pollinate the flower and keep in memory its high or poor quality. As soon as you have another pumpkin grow on the same main, which came off a much better flower, you can always cull the first one.

7/7/2011 6:21:02 AM

Nottingham, UK

Thanks Pumpking. I will let all the rest set and decide what to keep then. All part of the learning curve I guess.

I really need a more relaxed approach to growing AG's and need to scrap from my mind:'If I mess this up I'll have to wait another year'.

7/7/2011 6:26:51 AM

Springfield, VT

I believe the seeds in the blossom is a developmental issue when the blossom is forming and the tempereature being to cold.

7/7/2011 7:49:40 AM

Upa Creek, Mo

I would have still pollinated just in case. Both my keepers on my 1059 and 1101 had deformed lobes, but everything else aborted or wasn't on the main. Also, of the 8 or so females I have had blossom on the 2 plants, I think 6 of the 8 have had the same deformity (one lobe turned in). So maybe it was a climactic or a trait of my soil??? Gotta play the cards I was delt.

7/7/2011 9:22:51 AM

Nottingham, UK

Well my next female opened just 5' down on the 3rd secondary and it only had one slightly deformed lobe and just a few seeds in flower which for me is acceptable. Pollinated this morning and holding fingers crossed.

Thanks for your feedback

7/8/2011 6:05:48 AM

Joliet, IL

Never had a problem with pumpkins with twisted lobes or even seeds in the lobes. In the old days 8 years or so ago I culled them. Then out of necessity I had to go with them and all came to fruition normal with no splits. I have grown 1209, 1147,and 1173 pound pumpkins that have seeds in blossoms on all three and the 1147 had a half lobe sticking out sidways like a tooth. Weirdos all 3 but did well in the long run.

7/8/2011 11:29:57 AM

Rhode Island

agree with ny good buddy shazzy

7/10/2011 10:14:53 AM

Nottingham, UK

Any more ugly sisters and I'll let them grow and make notes for future reference.

Must say: ' lovely buch of people here always willing to offer advice and share information'. Thanks

7/12/2011 5:44:41 AM