From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Kokomo, Indiana

I have a good 5 pound kin that suddenly got blossom end rot and keeps getting worse every day. Going to cut if from the vine today because I have a nice bowling ball shaped pumpkin growing a decent pace. My question is, what causes it to rot like it did? Is it the weather, bugs, or fertilizers? I use all natural fertilizers like compost tea and Dr. Earth, and Neptune's. Just wondering why it happen on a pumpkin that was gaining weight a good rate then suddenly stopped and got rot.

8/2/2017 10:57:26 AM

Morgantown, WV

Sometimes pumpkins abort for no good reason within the first 15 days or so, often more so in hotter weather.

In my experience, BER is normally caused by a calcium or magnesium deficiency, so if it is specifically that, you can supplement those foliarly and try to save the one that is larger.

Have you had your soil tested? If not, I would recommend having one done. Some places you can get them for free (like West Virginia) through the universities, but ours doesn't test for micro nutrients so I choose to go elsewhere. I like Waypoint Analytical in Tennessee, it's $16.50 for full panel testing and their results are fast and easy to read and understand. Once you have your soil test, come back for advice on how to use the soil calculator to start to tweak your imbalances this fall for next season.

Good luck!

8/2/2017 12:26:56 PM