From

Location

Message

Date Posted

New Berlin, PA

I pollinated my first female on 6/23. A 5 lobe on the main vine. I didn't measure but I'd guess it is at 10 or so feet. I have another female that showed up at around 13 or so feet, but I'm guessing won't open up for a week.

Experienced growers: If both pumpkins set, which is better? The one with a week or two head start, or the one with more plant behind it? Thanks.

6/25/2015 9:27:57 AM

Springfield, VT

Pollenate both then make the decision based on placement and the fruit

6/25/2015 1:07:19 PM

Colorado

Tough question. Depends on your goals. Theres no guarantee the 13 fruit will have normal lobes when it opens. 13 feet is getting close to sweet spot on the plant(12 to 16 feet). A week is around july first which is a little late for Ideal. If you care to gamble go with the 13 footer. Ive got the same scenario on one of my plants early july 14ft out or 9 ft on the 23rd. I'm going with the later but Ive got 5 plants

6/25/2015 1:08:02 PM

Winston Salem, NC

two schools of thought...the 1725 was only at like 9'. So a small plant can push a big one, and a lot of folks let the plant fill in while the pumpkin is growing. However, more plant=more roots...more roots=more potential to move more water and more leaves=more photosynthesis. If you got enough time till your weighoff? I say take the further one out with more plant behind it.

6/25/2015 1:08:28 PM

New Berlin, PA

Thanks guys. If I pollinate both and wait and see, whats the best way to manage my vine as far as training it into an S curve? I started training the vine away from the first female already.

6/25/2015 1:15:48 PM

Springfield, VT

You can move the vines into a S curve at any time. It takes more work when they are older and start to root in but the vine is not brittle and more flexible at the older age.

6/25/2015 2:06:02 PM

Germany

Before I do any attempts at S-curving the vines this year I will wait for about 1 week after pollination, want to see if the fruit is growing, don´t want to curve the vine for a fruit which aborts within a couple of days.

6/25/2015 3:55:12 PM