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Gilbertsville PA

Hi , when do you start your field pumpkin seeds for the weigh-off in october ? do they get started as early as AG seeds ,like the end of april ? not sure ,thank for any help
Mike McQ

1/15/2012 8:57:09 AM

Mass

I direct planted mine in the ground in early June, Half acre of all kinds were orange by mid to late Sept. Competition ones didnt self polinate till late July early August if I remember correctly. They definately dont take as long to mature.

1/15/2012 9:24:24 AM

Bethlehem CT

Ditto what Peter said. They come fast.

1/15/2012 10:02:38 AM

Menomonie, WI (mail@gr8pumpkin.net)

We start ours on memorial day..as the other have said once a pumpkin has set it only grows for around 45 days..they also seem a little more prone to splitting on the blossom..the big thing to prevent is SVB and Powdery Mildew

1/15/2012 10:13:13 AM

Colorado

Startem a little later as suggested and set fruit later -last half of july first week of august

1/18/2012 12:55:48 PM

Marion,IN

Has anyone run into problems with pollinations due to the high temps and increased humidity during the later part of July or first part of August.

1/19/2012 4:01:16 PM

Menomonie, WI (mail@gr8pumpkin.net)

Not with field pumpkins they seem to thrive in those conditions..Maxima are finicky

1/19/2012 4:26:02 PM

Mass

Yes, I had a lot that aborted mid july when it was 90ish, we got a cool down and a bunch took.

1/19/2012 4:30:55 PM

Corryton, TN

Two years ago I had only 2 field pumpkins on 2, yes TWO acres due to heat. Multiple varieties.

1/19/2012 5:39:25 PM

Mercersburg, PA

mine didnt take until after the big heat in july and august. it was also coupled with a severe lack of rain in this same time frame, but the fruit took after the heat was gone and some rain came.

1/20/2012 9:22:31 AM