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WNC Usa

Could one cross a Big Max plant with an Atlantic Giant plant?

Hand pollinate/cross?

Thanks

7/10/2008 6:05:44 PM

WNC Usa

These are generic seeds from Ferry Morse seed packs (both pumpkin varieties) that are way behind growing because of serious drought


Neither are close to flower though and have lots more growing to do

7/10/2008 6:10:38 PM

San Jose garysand@pacbell.net

I don't know why you would want to mix a smaller variety with a giant. someone will chime in with the genus c.pepo maxima and whether or not they will cross pollinate, but again why would you.

7/10/2008 9:46:18 PM

No Place Special

I have crossed them before.

7/10/2008 10:35:57 PM

WNC Usa

So the seeds of the cross produce anything interesting?

7/11/2008 1:03:04 PM

Farmville, Virginia (mfowler@hsc.edu)

Maybe make a larger than average Big Max or a smaller than average Atlantic Giant...

7/11/2008 5:27:15 PM

Greencastle, PA

Kyle Little was growing some big max/AG hybrids a couple of years ago. His alias on here is Southern. He may have some photos of his big max/AG pumpkins in his grower diary and/or photo gallery.
Tom

7/11/2008 6:11:41 PM

WNC Usa

Thank you

I was just wondering if anything interesting could come from such a cross

I mean there is no harm in crossing them?

7/12/2008 4:26:58 PM

Bemidji Minnesota

As far as I know Big Max are C.maxima as well, and the cross in the past produces fruit around 200-400 pounds with excellent color and shape and vigorous vines.

One nice thing about hybrids can be a “predictable” result.

Sort of like a Mule, except in the case of two C.Maximas they offspring would not be sterile.

I don’t know which should be the M and F and I would suggest using generic Dills AG seed stock from the local seed store, not a competition seed from a 1200+ reputation seed.

But from what I gather the AG x BM = a very nice shape with good color, sturdy fruit that grows around 200-400 pounds, has few problems and it does not grow as large as some AG, but it tends to have less issues with Sag lines, splits etc… and vines that are very aggressive, with generally healthy plants with long stems as well.

Again, it will not give you a world record, but if you just want really big JOLs for the kids, it may be a fun experiment.

7/19/2008 11:44:05 AM

Bemidji Minnesota

I should add in that if you are going to use the AG as the male, but still pollinate the female on the AG with an AG, it may as well be a heavy hitter seed.

I just hate to see BM get mixed into a good genetic line of true GIANTs.

7/19/2008 11:46:10 AM

Taylorsville, California

this year I plan to pollinate both a Juan Gros D' Paris and a Rouge Vif D' Vampes with an AG male to create a more colorful and wheel shaped giant, ala Ron Rahe's Cinderela cross. The Rouge Vif has a beautiful "cheese wheel" shape ablong with an incredible red-orange color,,last year I had some reach 60+ lbs. Just for kix, and nice Jack'olanterns for the kiddoes!
Auston

7/21/2008 2:22:14 AM