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Deep South, USA

My oldest plants look like to be starting to shut down, and
it looks like I might have a single 35-45 lb melon on those.

I had more problems with end rot, but the majority of them
had deformed blossom ends anyway. Not sure if this
contributed.

I mentioned in an earlier post that I planted some late
seeds for possible seed melons. I don't expect anything huge
though, as it is now very late in the season.

I have however noticed one of the late Carolina Cross
plants is growing what I think is the main in an unusual
configuration, and I was wondering if anyone else here had
seen anything similar.

The vine appears to be doubled for part of it's length, and
at least two of the nodes have rooted into the ground. The
doubled section appears to be 12-18" long. Where the vine
finally branches, one vine is node rooted and almost looks
like it's growing into a separate plant.

This is the only plant that has doubled a vine as best I
can tell. I have late Cobb Gem plants, and a fairly fast
growing melon about softball size or so.

Has anyone else seen a combination double vine with
multiple rooted nodes? Does this sound like a bad thing or
a good thing?

8/15/2011 10:39:49 PM

Muddy Waters

mutation??

8/16/2011 6:35:19 AM

formerly RGG

Yoshi, double vines on Carolina Cross are unusual but not rare. There is no known advantage to one and the vine should be cut off if it fails to grow out of it. I do not think it represents a problem if it overcomes the problem and resumes normal growth. Sometimes the double vine will separate into 2 separate vine segments. The plant that grew my 181 in 2009 was like that.

8/16/2011 10:37:22 AM

Watervalley Ms

Hi Yoshi, I have seen the vines do alot of things, Because of the ferts that are used.Some growers use growth hormones they will cause crazy things in plants. what are you useing for ferts? I am from the south also what part are you from?Hope your late melons do well. Thanks Jerry

8/16/2011 10:01:44 PM

Deep South, USA

I admit I'd heard of double vines, but I was surprised to see this unusual vine root at more than one node. Does that indicate anything good or bad about the soil the plant is in?

I've planted most of the late melons at least 100' from the older ones. I'm not sure how big Cobb Gem plants are supposed to get, but they seem to be pretty happy. They'd be much happier if I managed the grass around them better LOL. Deer are now showing themselves a threat.

For ferts, just some cow manure and maybe a dose of magnesium once in awhile. Haven't used any growth hormones.

If I have my records correct, the seed is from the 180 Dawson. I had it mixed up with Cobb Gem for a little while, but that variety has more rounded females, and the stripe is different.

Mr Vaughn, I live about a half hour drive from you. We may be the two members closest to each other, except for of course Smoky and the Mrs.

8/17/2011 10:53:31 PM

Watervalley Ms

I am surprized that we are so close. Did you come to the watermelon carnival? To me all the vines on a watermelon plant will root no matter if double or triple. The vines will root in good or bad soil so it does not say anything about your soil at all. I am planing on using some cow manure also, got two loads so far.I Use alot of comercial ferts to go with the cow manure.Thanks Jerry

8/18/2011 10:21:11 PM

Muddy Waters

How do you guys apply growth hormones??

8/19/2011 5:49:07 AM

Watervalley Ms

Foliar spray and watering at roots once a week. Do you use them Handy?

8/19/2011 6:55:15 PM

formerly RGG

I'm not sure Mark will tell you if he does. I think kelp works great.I believe my year would have been finished a long time ago without it. I ignorantly applied chelated iron as a foliar after all the other problems I had and I think the only way my plants made a quick recovery was from beginning the use of kelp. I have the healthiest vines right now I have ever had in August.In the past my plants have been in decline in August. This year I still have good color and good growth. My melons are making slow but steady gains and I am still hoping for a new personal best.We will see in a few weeks.

8/19/2011 10:17:37 PM

Deep South, USA

I've never been to the Carnival proper before. I get rather nervous in big crowds, plus it's hot. I've never really had a melon I'd consider worth taking. I keep hoping I'll get a carnival melon, but so far I haven't.

I've never used growth hormones, and would be scared to, I hear they can do bad things in people. I'm keenly interested in kelp though, and may try that next year.

Cobb Gem seems rather more prolific in my particular garden. I've got three or four baseball size or bigger on them.

I planted them almost too late really, but if the weather cooperates, I believe at least one will make it to seed viability.

I also see encouraging signs on the late Carolina Cross. I've got a melon on the strange vines that has a "cigar shape to it", and a similar melon on another one. I don't remember if I had more than one take that shape on the older plants.

Will the temperature hold? Maybe not, but we will see. Ah, the dramas of late melon growing.

8/20/2011 12:33:59 AM