From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Rochester, Minnesota

Someone shared with me some seeds to a 53 pounder, so I put a hill of two plants, and only one fruit has been set.

It's quite large, but I have no measurements. Its dark green and rises seriously above the foliage. It set late, in fact it sort of snuck up on me so I have no idea the age.

What should I be doing with it now? How long is this going to last on the vine? What should I watch for to determine when it should be picked?

I would like it to last until the Oct 2nd for the weigh in.

8/27/2010 3:12:05 PM

Trinity River Bottom

james my 45# grew for about 40 days. when it starts to turning yellow it is ready to pick. mine turned totally yellow within about 5 days after the first yellow showed.

8/27/2010 3:48:24 PM

Lexington, Ky

Kirk is right, they turn fast. You might even be able to smell it before it starts to turn yellow.

I'd keep an eye out for new ones to set, seems they can pop up over night. Cull those and ride the big one out. I'd also shade it and keep it dry as possible, they can go down in a hurry.

I wouldn't push it for additional growth, sounds like you've done a good job doing whatever you're doing!

Don't wait for October, get the knife and fork ready, those things ARE good.

8/27/2010 4:08:08 PM

Trinity River Bottom

yes they are good . i harvested almost 1000 seed from mine.

8/27/2010 4:57:44 PM

Corryton, TN

Keep it high & dry just like your melons. I've seen them ripe at 35 days and bad at 36 but most of mine have gone to about that 38 day mark. Watch for any sign of yellow. They seem to hold longer if picked somewhat green. They will blow out, check recent pic in my diary. I'm trying to push mine like pumpkins but I'm not down to my last one yet.
If you can get or locate a new set on the other plant there may be time for a back-up just in case.

8/27/2010 6:45:03 PM

Mt Vernon Ky

dang they are good take a look at the pictures i just added pumpkin head vic just dont let it happen to yours vic

8/30/2010 3:57:55 PM

Bowdon, GA

If you want to take it to a weigh off, pick it a little green. Ussually turn completely yellow with in a couple of days, sometimes only a day if it has a lot of sun. If they turn yellow they won't last long, and tend to split when ripe. Dave is right you can blow them up pretty easy if you push them to hard.

8/30/2010 10:19:20 PM

Rochester, Minnesota

Mine just started turning yellow and is somewhat soft to the touch. So it looks like I will eat this one, but there is another....

8/31/2010 9:51:01 AM

Trinity River Bottom

gotta have some help to finish 1 of those babies off.

8/31/2010 10:24:49 AM