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Oregon

this is my first year ever growing pumpkins and I am growing prize winners. the problem I am having is that I had 2 get to 29 pounds in about 2 weeks and then they split at one of the ends. they are also growing very deformed. Has anyone ever had trouble like this? and what can I do to keep the last pumpkin on my plant from doing this?

9/16/2011 4:04:11 PM

Massachusetts

avaunt - This was also my first year growing pumpkins and I chose prizewinners as well. I'm sorry I can't offer much advice but maybe something in my journal will spark an idea? At 17 days, mine measured to be ~40 lbs and very round. Looking at the pictures it grew a LOT during week 3.

http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryView.asp?season=2011&grower=57790&action=L

9/17/2011 4:48:23 PM

Perry Iowa USA

I have grown prizewinners for many years-you won't get the large poundage (over 300#) but they usually are a beautiful bright orange color and nice shape.If the deformed are on the same plant I would wonder about the plant.Last year one of my plants kicked off pumpkins that were like watermelons.Never had splits and I wonder if you have enough calcium in your plants/soil.I use gypsum in my fall soil amendments,but I hope for the best on the last pumpkin you have.

9/18/2011 11:54:44 PM