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Benson, Vermont

Hello, I am a first year grower;

I have several females starting to show up on the secondary vines and the main vine at less than 10 feet. Do I allow them to continue to grow and blossom or do I pick them off the vines?

Also, how long do I allow the secondary vines to grow before I cut them off and bury the ends?

Thanks in advance for your suggestions!

7/8/2004 11:27:26 AM

Azores,terceira Island

i would let them open and practice pumpkin sex. you can always remove it later. how ever i am new to the pumpkins as well but i am sure some one has advice thats more educated than mine....ryan

7/9/2004 8:46:37 PM

Since it's your first year, I would also suggest letting them open and practicing pollinating them with the male flowers. Most people like to set pumpkins at 10 feet or farther out. However, the ideal pollination time is also considered the first two weeks of July, so it's up to you. I would keep the 10 footer myself.

For the secondaries... it really depends on how much space you want your plant to take up. The average I would guess for competitive growing is 500-800 square feet. Some people let the vines grow out onto the lawn, some people have a strict area that they refine them to, etc. Good luck!

7/10/2004 12:16:15 AM

Butler,PA(Blueman286@zoominternet.net)

And to add to what Brigitte said, all secondary vine growth should be terminated around August 7-10 to allow for pumpkin growth.

7/10/2004 9:55:55 PM

Benson, Vermont

Thanks so much everyone!!

7/15/2004 10:02:15 PM