Message Board - BigPumpkins.com

Princeton Kentucky

I no that this subject is brought up time after time. I went back and read PMasters post on 8/27/14 about this subject and it seems to make sense but man if it get a spoiled spot at waiting around 50%-60% color...Ouch. What would be the optimal time for me to harvest this 7.10 Foss and get it weighed. Pollinated on May 29th so its around 38-38 or so dap. Thanks ahead of time for any help. All opinions will be welcome!! Heres a pic; http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=241601

7/7/2015 9:17:33 AM

Princeton Kentucky

I "KNOW"....Need more Coffee,lol.

7/7/2015 9:25:03 AM

Wixom MI.

I usually wait till its half ripe but it can split if it rains when it is too ripe ?

7/7/2015 10:19:52 AM

Princeton Kentucky

I agree on the splitting with rain and we have rain all night again & rain forecasted for the next 3-4 days. I forgot to mention also that it has not increased in measurable size for about 5 days now. Still very solid.

7/7/2015 10:41:57 AM

Allentown, PA

Once I see color no matter how slight in an area of the tomato I will start the clock and remove the tomato three days after that point.

I then place it in a bowl with a towel underneath the tomato and put it in a dedicated mini fridge I have set at 55 F.

55 F is an optimal temperature to store the tomato. You can store this for up to a couple of weeks prior to any notable weight loss.

7/7/2015 11:16:37 AM

Wixom MI.

Im suprized that its turning on day 38 i thought that they would start turning around day 50-60

7/7/2015 11:17:32 AM

Allentown, PA

To add;

This is done if you are waiting to weigh the tomato. If you are just saving it for seeds then keep it in the bowl on the towel on a counter to allow it to ripen prior to seed removal.

7/7/2015 11:18:39 AM

Princeton Kentucky

Julia, I noticed the change 3 days ago, lol. I'm wanting to weigh it asap (Impatient) but want to make sure its at its most heaviest. Beings it has not put weight on do you all think I should go ahead and pull it and get it weighed today? Thanks for the storage tip because I hope to have a few more worthy of weighing. I know GPC will only agknowledge 3. Chris I'm suprised too turning early but its the crazy weather here I believe. I've always had it covered but able to breath.

7/7/2015 11:31:33 AM

Allentown, PA

Go ahead and remove it now. Just make sure you have your ducks in a row concerning being able to weigh it as soon as possible.
Most likely the tomato is approaching it's densest at this time thus it is the heaviest it is going to get.

Are you going to a grocery store??

If you are just be sure to get a photo of the tomato on the scale showing the weight readout as well as a photo of the state inspection decal. Be sure to take your GPC paperwork as well so an employee can sign it as a witness.

Here's to a new personal best!! :O)

7/7/2015 11:36:06 AM

Princeton Kentucky

Going to our local grocery store and they are expecting me sometime. I'll make sure on the inspection decal and display. I read the rules on virtual but did not see a print off for GPC paper work. I'll look again in resources if thats where it is. Thanks

7/7/2015 11:40:20 AM

Princeton Kentucky

Found the Form, Thanks Julia & Chris..Think Heavy,lol.Definetly a new PB for me, unless I drop it.!!

7/7/2015 12:03:55 PM

Wixom MI.

This reminds me of that pumpkin comercial last fall,pick it now, pick it pick it pick it !!!

7/7/2015 12:41:19 PM

Wixom MI.

Julie you drop one tomato, and know one ever lets you forget !lol... ;-)

7/7/2015 12:43:40 PM

Allentown, PA

Yep!!! One time!!!! LOL!!!!! <O)

7/7/2015 1:20:10 PM

Princeton Kentucky

I knew nothing about that..seriously

7/7/2015 2:19:51 PM

Princeton Kentucky

Well Thanks all, I went out, got it weighed and now my wonderful IPS is so slow and aweful it won't allow me to send in my entry form. Even posting on here I have to wait and wait and ..wait for it to load. Frontier Communications for rural areas is horrible. The Mater measured 23.5 Circ and only weighed 3.40 lbs, way light but its still a new PB for me so I'm pleased just wish I could have got it entered officialy. The plant was only 24" tall with not much foliage but the other plants I have are all 48" or better and nice maters on board. Thanks again for ya'lls input!!

7/7/2015 2:26:17 PM

BillF

Buffalo, MN (Billsbigpumpkins@hotmail.com)

I agree with Chris wait until it's at least half ripe before harvesting. If memory serves me right (I don't trust it much any more)they gain weight as they ripen. They are easy to drop, I dropped my 4.80 last year because at 11:00 at night I was afraid of it freezing so I got out of bed grabbed my flashlight and a knife. With flashlight in mouth I cut the stem, the tomato hit my hand and fell to the ground. It didn't damage it but certainly woke me up.

7/7/2015 2:40:31 PM

Wixom MI.

Congrats mid west on your new personal best ! It sounds like you may have a few more comming.

7/7/2015 2:46:07 PM

Princeton Kentucky

Thanks chris. I'm going to let the next ones go longer this was just a practice run. PA_J you did good, I'm glad I harvested it today, that small plant wasn't helping it any. I still can't get the email to work so no biggie on an entry at this point. Chris I do have beauties coming up in the future!!

7/7/2015 3:01:08 PM

Allentown, PA

Midwestgrower,

It's OK. :O) I dropped what was a five pounder downstairs after weighing it. LOL!!!

Hey congratulations on your new personal best!!!!

My first attempt was a2.86 pound Big Zac so your 3.40 pounder is great!!!

Once giant tomato growing gets in your blood, it's too late!! :O)

7/7/2015 3:35:14 PM