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Ct

Hello, I have 2 questions. First, seems every year i get a good one going, and at the point where it reaches about 200lbs, it deveelops a soft spot on the outside but is actually rotting from the inside out, then finally it caves in. What causes this and how can I prevent it? I have a nice one going now and would love to avoid that this time.

Second question: On another vine, I have a small basketball size pumpkin going but the way it started from the get go the stem is severely curved toward the main. Moving it slightly every day may not be enough, as the fruit is almost on top of the main. The fruit is about 15 feet from the stump, then there is another 10 feet of main vine after the fruit. Can I just cut the main right on the backside of the pumpkin stem? That would allow it to grow where it wants without growing on top of the main , so in short, the pumpkin would sit at the very end with nothing in the way as it gets bigger.

8/4/2015 8:37:20 AM

Central NY

Answer #1---could be many things causes rot...
Answer#2---- yea cut main... I think most would rather it grow past the pumpkin but if it's in the way and cannot be manipulated then cut it off after fruit ...best of luck

8/4/2015 11:27:39 AM

Muddy Waters

I had several years that pumpkins got 200 lbsand aborted . It was usually a virus that set in early. Another reason why I built my screen house . The bugs spread the virus from the weeds to the plant . I agree with pork chop cut the main

8/4/2015 12:40:36 PM

Williamsburg,KY

Can you post a picture? Any way you can lower the blossom end to raise the stem up? A picture would be great. Good luck.

8/5/2015 6:57:47 AM

Going Green

My first year I had several pumpkins grow quickly to 100 pounds then sit for two to three weeks before aborting. It was clay soil. The roots could not penatrate and could not get nutrients. Used gypsum and Pure and grew a 356 pounder that year.

8/5/2015 9:16:37 AM

Ct

Can't post pics but I'll take the advice and cut the main. The main vine after the pumpkin is only about 10 feet, and the entire patch before the fruit is pretty massive so I don't think the fruit will be starving for nutrients. Thanks all!!

8/5/2015 9:21:19 AM

Garden State Pumpkins

soft spot blackens as it grows? pictures definitely help. It sounds like something viral could be soil or insect. good luck! GrowEmBig!

8/5/2015 8:00:17 PM