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Bemidji Minnesota

I continue reading about size, shape, color being very important genetic factors. Then there are lines, like the 1068 Wallace and its descendants (for example), tend to throw vines that are mostly problem free, and bomb proof fruits etc…There are however some lineage’s that while growing beautiful fruit, tend to have a high incidence of flat vines, stem splits etc…which require expert care to get anything out of.

Then there are those genetics that are practically “idiot proof”. I read a story about a kid who grew a plant, given as gift, that came from an experienced grower (it may have been from a 1000+), and the kid around age 10, planted it in his grandmother’s flower garden, and still grew a 350 pound pumpkin, with almost no care, and most of the vine was growing over the lawn. Not that 350 is a record breaker, but I imagine if just a little more care were put into that seed, or even a LOT of care put into it, it could have been 1000 pounds.

The above story, and it may just be an urban pumpkin legend, is just an example of a plant that is practically idiot proof.

So what are the top 10 “idiot proof”, or most “problem free” lines. Not necessarily a RW contender like the 998 pukos, or 1068 Wallace, but just seeds that could still grow 300+ pound pumpkin, unless you actually went out of your way to sabotage it?

3/14/2008 3:47:11 PM

Kevinstinindians@yahoo.com

I don't believe there is an "idiot proof" seed. And I believe just about all the AG seeds out there can grow a pumpkin over 300 lbs with ease. Luck and weather will be a bigger factor for those who want to put out minimal effort.

3/14/2008 4:40:00 PM

Indiana

The 846 Calai was relatively idiot proof back in the day. So was the 567.5 Mombert.

I could name you off 10 of each of my own seeds that could grow basically any trait you want.

3/14/2008 5:16:01 PM

Western NY

they're all idiot proof if all you are looking for is a 300-500 pounder. when you start pushing them towards their potential is when you run into problems.

3/14/2008 5:48:40 PM

Bemidji Minnesota

andy, when they are being pushed, as in your garden is the perfect storm, does this also increase the risks of issues like stem splits?

I know a guy in MN who grew one over 400 pounds, I had to help him move it, and he grew it with seeds from the 514 Hoffman.

Essentially he just started the plant in a small pot, and put it at the top his compost pile, after he had turned it over.

I think the plant may have only had several roots in the ground, as most of it was growing on a yard with grass, and he still managed to pull off a 400 pounder and a 250 pounds.

I think that was ALL the attention he gave it. The plant only put to fruit on its own. He got one 250+ extra, as he did not prune off the extra fruit that started growing. The seeds were useless, as they were open, and he had other squash plants growing in his compost pile.

The oddest thing is, the plant itself was not large either. It took up maybe a 25 by 10ft area, and that was about all it did.

What he does not know is that when I was over at his place I did go out to his plant and make sure that the big fruit was not putting down roots close to the stem. - he was not going to do anything other than "let the plant do its thing".

My only issue with that logic, is that for a domestic plant, that is tanamount to letting the ________ "insert name of farm animal here" do its thing, with no food or water either.

So, anyhow, I consider that an idiot proof plant example.

3/14/2008 7:39:47 PM

Ditto PA Punkin' Pharmer.

Nothing is idiot proof for a sufficiently talented idiot.

I ought to know, I'm very talented and have proven this axiom time and again.

3/17/2008 9:43:00 AM

Minnesota

Meathead thats good news for myself, you growing a 400 & a 250 on grass, I have a small area, some will go into the grass,,I'm aiming for 500 this year (2nd year grower)

3/17/2008 9:59:47 AM

Owensboro, Ky.

Nil, great to hear I am not a one man club!!!! And I am sufficiently talented!!! LOL Peace, Wayne

3/17/2008 7:14:03 PM

maine USA

Nilbert that is so funny! LOL KathyT

3/18/2008 9:24:45 AM

Bemidji Minnesota

I did not grow it exactly in the grass, that was someone else, however the other one did put about 1/3rd of its main into the grass, after the fruit.

3/19/2008 1:09:42 AM

Rhode Island

meat head
andy said it best but it bears repeating. no need to worry about pumpkin splits ,etc, if your growing in the 200 to 400 pound range.
of course there are always exceptions but for the most part splits are not a concern
now, if your serious about getting into the 1,000 and up range some research is always recommended. (plus ya gotta grow on good soil not grass )

1. look for pumpkins that were over the charts( thikness helps reduce splitting )
2. look for pumpkins that are egg shaped not young ( low and long fruit tend to have less stress on blossom ennds
3. pick the right fruit togo with on your plant ( if pumpkin number two on the main for example has that egg -elongated shape over pumpkins number one and three? take number two
lastly ----------- none of this information is worth a hoot if your soil is not prepared and ready to produce a large pumpkin
pap

3/19/2008 9:01:42 AM

Bemidji Minnesota

This year we are extending the area out another 30 foot, so that the entire vine stays on the soil. Last year we underestimated how big the plant can get.

So long and low, "egg shape", not "young". This may seem like a newb question, but what does "young" shape look like, so I know what to avoid. It that the taller shapes?

As for the 1000 pound club, not quite ready for that yet. Almost would rather just keep the aim to the 400-500ish, mostly just want a giant jack o-lantern come holloween, and the fun of seening a pumpkin larger every time I see it.

Those ones you and Ron grow do tend to look "egg shaped". You even done the experiment were you try to crush an egg, without using your thumb, you hold it in your other 4 fingers and palm, and it is next to impossible to crush, as the shape distributes the pressure perfectly.

3/19/2008 11:06:16 AM

Wi

I grew a 1030 Armstrong last year. I was told before hand the plant is very trouble free as well as the fruit.

Both that germinated were smallish plants. It was the most sad looking plant in the patch before vine stage.

Late May I sprayed it with 2-4-D which knocked it right down (not intentional!). I was a HAIRS WIDTH away from pulling the plant.

Mid June my other 3 plants went down with pythium. The 1030, though mutated a bit as a result of the 2-4-d kept going.

First of July I lost the first 3 sets undoubtably to the reminants of the 2-4-d. Only plant left so set a 4th.

Mid july borers took out the stump (I believe this was day 2 of the final set).

By mid august the plant had 2 good secondaries (12') one side and 3 the other. Fruit chugged along.

First of September plant stopped growing. Sprayed for signs of pythium. Pumpkin kept going.

Harvested a 672# pumpkin off this plant. Imagine what could have been!!!

4/8/2008 4:19:21 PM