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Kutztown, PA

Seems like there's as many opinions about the total square footage, the length, the pattern, and when to dead head as there are pumpkin seeds in the world. When you're a new grower like me it's pretty tuff to know for sure if you're doing the right thing. At some point I guess one has to decide when, and how attention should be directed at the pumpkin and the total sf of the vine, the number of total secondary vines, what and when to dead head etc. I have 1000 sf of area each plant I could fill, but should it??

6/21/2022 9:24:04 AM

Central NY

Most prize winning pumpkins that I’ve followed over the years have 14-16’ side vines…16 to 24 side vines behind the fruit and a total square footage somewhere between 600 and 1000 square foot. For us, each year seems to present a unique situation to the plant itself. Lots of ways to skin a cat. It’s all part of the fun.

6/21/2022 9:58:49 AM

Kutztown, PA

So, all vines behind the pumpkin should be 14' - 16' before dead heading. Should side vines all be allowed to grow to that length through out the season? At some point should all side vines be dead headed and the main as well?

6/21/2022 10:11:06 AM

Honesdale, Pennsylvania

Mr. Chops numbers seem spot on... like he said he likes to skin cats. Some people like to have the complete plant terminated of any growth by August 1 but that to is a personal preference, some people dead head all growth before that and some like to let some growth continue all season long. Cutting the main after the pumpkin has been around for a while but seems to be gaining more traction lately. It certainly makes any stem stress a thing of the past. Just make sure your pumpkin is definitely going to be the one as a late abort isn't out of the possibility especially with PA's crazy weather extremes. If you have more than one plant why not try a few different techniques for the FUN of it. Like Chop said he likes to skin cats.. I mean there is more than one way to skin a cat. Enjoy the ride, don't stress out about it.

6/21/2022 10:36:39 AM

Honesdale, Pennsylvania

I guess a lot depends on what your goals are. If you are wanting a world record you better give it some room to roam. With 1000 pound plus pumpkins being grown in 150 square feet there is a big window in between a 150 sq.ft and 1000 sq.ft patch. Go with what works for you.

6/21/2022 10:56:35 AM

Kutztown, PA

Ned, it's really my back that's stressing out. LOL I've been burying vines like a mad man. I've got 4 plants going relentlessly. I was able to dead head about 8 secondary vines on each over the last couple of days buy but more keep popping out of the main - what's wrong with these things? LOL

I think I can live with the Pork Man's numbers - I'm working pretty hard to keep up though.

6/21/2022 10:58:50 AM

Colorado

Mr Gar if your growing multiple plants your might try some different pruning patterns and see what works best for your patch.Theres some good utube diaries where good growers are trying some different pruning layout patterns.Im trying what i'll call the Mendi pattern. Its part of the fun mixing it up.I just have trouble loping off the main vine at the fruit unless forced to by stem stress issues.But thats my issue.

6/21/2022 11:04:29 AM

Westmoreland, KS

Here is what I tell all new growers. First mark out you entire patch somewhere close to 30 feet by 30 feet. Now the Number 1 thing when you are a new grower is to fill that entire patch in with the biggest and healthiest plant possible. Side vines, 3rd stage growth whatever you need to fill the entire area. Over the years you will find out what works best for you but when you are new concentrate on plant health and filling in. Pollinate every pumpkin after your plant is 10 feet long...even side vines hopefully you get one set on the main but if not MONSTERS have been grown on side vines. Your job is to grow a BIG healthy plant.

6/21/2022 11:06:48 AM

Kutztown, PA

Don't get me wrong - I'm keeping up, i.e. cutting off all tertiary vines, flowers, tendrils (except a handful of male flowers for pollination) and all plants are growing good. The patch is equally divided into four 1,000 sf quadrants. Each is Approx. 27 x 40. I'm hooking my secondary vines a little and dead heading them at around 14'. Wont the plant growth slow down when pumpkin growth kicks in gear?

6/21/2022 2:08:49 PM