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I'm a new grower looking for some information on the root system of giant pumpkins, I found this old diagram of pumpkin roots Link-(bit.ly/324Ez6H), it gives some measurements but how do they compare to giant pumpkins?
It shows like 90% of the root mass is only 8inchs deep?
also a big question I have is what are the roots like that grow off the vine when you bury the node? are they substantial or is it just some small roots that don't go very far? Any info you can tell me would be much appreciated, it would be really awesome if someone made a diagram of a giant pumpkin root system...

2/18/2020 9:59:08 PM

Dillonvale, Ohio

The quick answer is, the root system is HUGE. I've heard 6'deep, and 17' from the stump. Everything depends on your soil, how loose it is. Secondary roots are definitely a smaller area, but I'll let others answer as I've not dug them up to know for sure.

2/18/2020 10:38:59 PM

Central NY

There’re substantial...and go about a foot deep for us ....the whole patch becomes a mass of roots...I’ve seen tap roots the size of my wrist...every leg node is a whole new root system...poorer soils don’t get the rooting like the competition patches do...

2/18/2020 10:50:22 PM

@Daillonvale ohio, 6' deep? you mean the tap root? how deep would you say the majority is? the diagram shows 90% of the roots are 8", if true you would only really need to till the ground 8", I'm sure giant pumpkins might be a little different but how deep is sufficient enough to rototill?

2/18/2020 11:52:37 PM

@Mohawk valley ny, thanks, sounds interesting, I really wish I could see a diagram of the entire root system, I'm thinking it would benefit a lot if I add a bunch of sand to my soil

2/19/2020 12:01:28 AM

Sorry, just noticed I replied to your guys locations instead of user names lol

2/19/2020 12:07:50 AM

Thomas wv

Massive if soil is loose thier will be roots till deep roots will be thier but yes you can till 8 inches but what ever you do try not to compact soil you will break and crush roots crush roots then you invite disease reason deeper till better drainage in some cases

2/19/2020 12:54:39 AM

North Pole,Alaska

If you look at the first entry of my diary from last year, you'll get a better idea. Those are all roots from the nodes. 2' to bottom of trough, some extend another 8-10' horizontally because the plastic prevents them from going deeper. Depth in soil depends on the soil makeup, but availability of oxygen is the main limiting factor in loose soils

2/19/2020 1:21:44 AM

@daveigiantguy, That's a really cool picture, thanks, its awesome to see someone growing it aeroponically, Although I would think that growing it that way would encourage the roots to grow vertically, they can't really grow horizontally if they are hanging, so i'm not sure that says much about how they grow in soil, but it definitely helps me understand the root system better, do you have a picture like that of the main root?

2/19/2020 2:12:41 AM

Grittyville, WA

Truman, the top growers keep their soil moisture very specific. I believe Geddes said he did not let the soil surface dry at all. He did not overwater, instead his watering was meticulously and careful... a lot of it done by hand. (I may not be quoting very well. I'm trying to remember what I read a year ago... But the idea is that the soil quantity is only the portion that is watered to the perfect moisture level. If perfectly watered then 100% of that 8" available... if the surface dries and the top few inches get below 50% moisture then you may have lost a third of your roots (until you get the moisture optimal). Just consider the watering in your thinking. ps I have found pumpkin roots 22 ft. out. I certainly think they could go farther... basically figure they go approximately as far as the vines do.

2/19/2020 3:20:22 AM

Central NY

Leg node= plant node...stupid autocorrect.....keep up the research and good luck this year...

2/19/2020 10:46:33 AM

Guelph, Ontario

Check this link

https://soilandhealth.org/wp-content/uploads/01aglibrary/010137veg.roots/010137ch33.html

2/19/2020 9:02:51 PM

Watlington, UK

Interesting reading irischap!

"The taproot system, or more strictly speaking its deeper portion, had reached a maximum depth of approximately 6 feet."

2/20/2020 4:32:18 AM