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Northern California Foothills

My biggest pumpkin is at 10 DAP now and I have one a few feet down at 4 DAP. I plan on keeping the larger one because the younger one is growing slower than the larger one did at that stage. Should I cull the younger one now or wait a few days?

7/18/2011 4:33:43 PM

Germany

Wait for a couple of days, and keep record of growth each day. The first 4 days don´t tell you anything, the first pumpking might have been lucky enough to have optimum weather conditions within its first week, whereas the second one might have been "born" under slightly worse circumstances. It could well be that the second one will take off a few days later. If they are growing at similar rate, check the vine section between the first and the second...would it allow as much nutrient flow into the second (when growing for another week) as does into the first right now?, Is there another good set of strong and highly supportive secondaries between the first and the second, which might be much more beneficial for the second when it comes to high-speed growth later on?, Which one is in a better location for being grown up to a giant and still permitting the secondaries to wrap around this spot and to fill the vacant area? How is the stem of each fruit?...any splits? thin vs. thick stem?...many many things to be considered, there´s more than just growth rate of the first hand-full of days in a pumpkins life. Good luck and my best wishes for the right choice...after another couple of days. Be patient.

7/18/2011 6:23:41 PM

Northern California Foothills

I will wait at least a few more days and see what happens. The first pumpkin has a longer stem and is better positioned. I haven't noticed any splits on the stem of either pumpkin. I measured the older pumpkin for the first time and it has good numbers. The younger pumpkin has yet to lay on the ground so I'm not sure if it has took. Thank you for all the help.

7/18/2011 9:39:45 PM

Nottingham, UK

Thanks Pumpking. The weather here has been diabolical for summer in that it is overcast, wet and only 15oC so any measurments at the moment are superficial.

A lot to consider and I have written some thoughts maybe just to get them down on paper so to speak. So here goes:

I have one on the 3rd seconday which pollinated first and on day 12 is 12". It is well positioned with a nice space for a giant. I would terminate just after the fruit.
The second polination of the 4th secondary (which is a fastest growing secondary) is two days behind and probably 9" on day 10. I would terminate just after the fruit.
The third is 15-16' out on the main and I hope that when the weather picks up it will be well fed and take off.

Just have to wait and see

7/20/2011 5:13:44 AM