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Kansas City, MO

I was wondering if it's alright to cut the main vibe off past the pumpkin. If so, how far out should you make the cut? Running a little low on space and didn't know if I could clear some room. Wasn't sure if the vine and leaves in front of the pumpkin were feeding the fruit

7/22/2016 8:50:08 AM

Eastern Pennsylvania

Hi Jon I used to cut the main right at the pumpkin like 1 inch beyond the stem but nowadays I would only do that as a last resort to prevent cracking the stem. The Fulks have shown me that they keep the main, and the secondary right at the pumpkin growing forever. Giving it some thought I think there are important hormone signals coming and going from these two vines. You can look at that secondary next to any female, even a female you remove, and see that this vine is NOT LIKE THE OTHERS.

Another thing the Fulks have shown me over the years is not cutting the tap root at the pumpkin stem. Instead, give it a gentle tug upwards every day or two, to keep the root somewhat intact in the ground. Again, there must be important chemical signals related to this area. And of course this tap root would be the pumpkin's most efficient source of water and nutrients.

7/22/2016 12:27:50 PM

Kentucky, U.S.A.

Yes, you can cut the main vine, many growers do this on a normal basis. I don't make a practice of it, but I have one this year that is out of room as well and have terminated the main vine. I have seen some terminated immediately after th node the pumpkin is on.

7/22/2016 1:00:08 PM

Kansas City, MO

Thanks for the advice and quick reply! I have one that I really need to cut due to space.

7/22/2016 5:18:41 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

Jon T, I think lots of folks believe that the growth beyond the set fruit, backfeeds into the pkn. No facts, just my belief. Never heard of the daily tugging, but sounds like a reasonable idea...esp. if using mycho. Not sure if any of this is chemical signals, or just keeping the max amount of roots, and therefore hyphae in the ground. Also, sorta thinking that the main vine b/4 the set fruit is the main source of water & nutrients. Just my opinion, tho. Peace, Wayne

7/23/2016 2:00:15 AM

Kansas City, MO

I have one plant that the fruit is set on, but I don't have high hopes for. It just was pollinated about a week ago. I cut the end off, know the plant might not even last anyways. Didn't do it to the two plants I have going that are going strong. It can be my experiment!

7/23/2016 9:22:36 AM

Sonora, CA

I am a new grower and my pumpkin is very close to overtaking my secondary vine next to it. I have trained the secondary away as much as possible but can do no more. Should I cut the secondary.

8/17/2017 11:51:38 AM