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Manitoba

Hi. Just checked my darling, she's only 36 DAP and not even 200 lb. yet - and she is developing a sort of netting near the stem end. In general, both foliage and kin look healthy. I watered like crazy yesterday. I never water that much because of our high water table.

Is this normal, and is it a sign that it is nearing the end of its life cycle? (Much weeping & wailing here...)

Tks. for your help.

8/19/2015 12:01:25 PM

Central NY

What seed are you growing?

8/19/2015 12:41:36 PM

Menomonie, WI (mail@gr8pumpkin.net)

Netting is also called cantelouping. It is normal for a pumpkin to do this when the inside is growing faster then the outside

8/19/2015 1:08:48 PM

Manitoba

Hi, Porkchop. My seed is from a 1,379 lb fruit grown in Manitoba by Henry Banman in 2011.

Re cantelouping. I have winter squash doing the same thing. I've grown a variety of winter squash and I would say that some varieties don't get this netting at all, whereas others are just covered with it at this time of year.

Linus, what can we do about this? I recall reading that boron deficiency can cause "mis-shapen" pumpkins and my kin is starting to get that pear-shaped look at the top; since this is happening at the same time as the netting, maybe they are connected?

It has occurred to me - just opining here - that those seriously deformed prize winning pumpkins aren't really supposed to get that way; rther, it's just some problem that never actally stopped the pumpkin from growing like crazy.

Any thoughts or ideas? Tks.

8/19/2015 1:39:16 PM

Kentucky, U.S.A.

Is it possible you did not get them covered with shade and a cloth such as a sheet? I have been getting better skin if I start shading even before pollination.

8/19/2015 2:06:03 PM

Manitoba

For a period of time (tho not long) my pumpkin wasn't covered. It sure is now, though.

Hey, maybe I should quit doing a jig. Here is what I found:

http://biologybiozine.com/growing-the-great-pumpkin/2766

"In addition to their funky shape, giant pumpkins also exhibit colors other than the traditional bright orange. Giant pumpkins may be grey, white, or pink. Many of these pumpkins also have a rough cantaloupe-like netting appearance to their skin."

8/19/2015 8:52:35 PM

Cincinnati,OH

Cantaloping, I believe, is genetic. I've grown kins with skin as smooth as glass at day 80 and others that start cantaloping at day 40. I cover all my kins. It has been my experience that the rough as a cob ones do tend to weigh heavier.

8/19/2015 9:15:27 PM

Manitoba

Thanks, Ron, and all.

8/19/2015 11:24:53 PM