From

Location

Message

Date Posted

South Carolina

When do you think is the best time to cut leaf, tendril, secondary at the female you think you will keep?

6/24/2013 7:35:25 PM

The bottom of New Jersey

I usually leave the leaf as long as I can for shade until the pumpkin is pushing it out of the way. The leaf stem will scratch the fruit a little bit but it's not even noticeable by the end of the season. The secondary should be gone probably by day ten for sure but earlier is better.

6/24/2013 9:26:19 PM

Upa Creek, Mo

I bet those HD award chasers cut it immediately. I do what P.J above said... might cut early this year though if I can get one set.

6/24/2013 9:56:15 PM

Menomonie, WI (mail@gr8pumpkin.net)

I cover my pumpkin with a white sheet right after pollination to protect it from the leaf stalks and side vines.

6/25/2013 7:32:10 AM

South Carolina

Thanks for the suggestions. I believe I like the idea of covering the pumpkin right after pollination and before pruning. This would prevent leaf scars and make sure of a good pollination before creating an empty hole in the vine if it did abort.

6/25/2013 10:22:40 AM

Mill Bay, British Columbia

soupster, the sooner the better to cut the leaf and tendril next to your chosen females, the smaller the resulting scar is left...

I usually trim them at this stage;

http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=200556

6/25/2013 11:51:53 AM