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Simi valley, ca

Iv got a gourd that seemes to be doing good ,Its getting close to 6 ft , i dont know how long these things grow but its only a few weeks old! Question is, If it matures sooner that weighoff than how long does it take to dry? And how far before weighoff can i cut it down and still be able to enter it ?

7/10/2006 2:06:05 AM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

Glenn,

If you think it has a chance to make 116 5/8" (Current World Record) then leave it on the vine to grow!

If it is starting to touch the ground, then start digging a hole under it now. The prior record (114.75" McGregor) was grown down into a 4 foot deep hole so that it could keep growing!

I have no idea how long they last after harvest.

7/10/2006 8:14:20 AM

Menomonie, WI (mail@gr8pumpkin.net)

They last for a long time after harvest.We still have a few in the rafters for 2004. If I had a long gourd that was approaching record size I would have it measure it until it stops growing. Then Harvest. Have it officialy measured. They shrink alot after harvest as they loose water. It takes along time to dry out. As our gourds are drying out we wipe them with a bleach siolution to prevent mold.

7/10/2006 9:29:25 AM

Montoursville, PA

Seed development and internal conditioning takes place after the growing length has been achieved. If you want really good seed, to share, let them hang as long as they will not rot, on the vine.

I think the absolute best seed come out, by completely drying and curing, inside the gourd.

7/10/2006 3:27:10 PM