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Western PA

Hi all, This is my first year growing the LG's and I am wondering when does an LG finally stop growing. I have one on right now about 88. It started off growing slow then hit a big growth spirt where it was growing about 5 inches a day now it has dwindled down two about 1 to 1.5 inches a day, I assume the growth is coming to an end. When it stops growing, How many days do you leave it on to confirm it has stopped growing. Then what do you do with it? If you have a decent size one is it easy to store for a weigh-off?

8/4/2008 4:29:58 PM

Sparta, NC

I have cut mine off and stored em in my basement for 2-3 weeks before our weighoff. They normally grow for 35-40 days. Some people leave em on the vine til weighoff but I choose to take em off.

8/4/2008 4:51:47 PM

Flowery Branch, Georgia

Pumpkin Picker:

After growth has stopped give it awhile, after you cut it I recommend cleaning it with a light mix of bleach and water to remove fungi before storing as Sam has suggested.

Bob A.

8/4/2008 6:37:38 PM

Topsfield, Ma.

I've been greedy in the past and left them on the vine after growth has stopped hoping for renewed growth and had them develop splits...not good...:-) Sam and Bob are right on the money! Good Luck!

8/4/2008 8:07:11 PM

Central Connecticut

nothing will happen to them if you cut them off. After the season If I am not keeping the LG for seeds, I hang them in the garden so the will dry out. They grow a mold all over them during the drying process, this is normal. By spring they are very hard. The seeds are loosened with a few good whacks (careful not to break it)...you have now created a rain stick.

If you plan to grow the seeds the following year, it's best to take the seeds out before the drying process.

8/5/2008 7:20:14 AM

Western PA

Thanks a lot for the help!

8/5/2008 10:48:07 PM

Anamosa, IA BPIowegian@aol.com

If you leave it on the vine, remember to give it some support, with a cord or twisted cloth tied to the trellis. I forgot to do that last year, and my best one fell off and broke while it was still growing. Might have cost me 1st place last year.

8/6/2008 8:38:57 AM

Cincinnati,OH

How many days after pollination does it take to get viable seeds?

8/6/2008 9:56:32 AM