From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Plattsburgh, NY

So as I'm growing my first marrow, I'm finding that it's chugging along very well without me doing a whole lot in the way of fertilizing. I know marrows are prone to splits, so I'm trying very hard to not do anything to make that happen. Does anyone have any advice to lessen the chances of a split? I'm assuming it's got a lot to do with the amount of fertilizer and water it receives, but beyond that, I'm not really too sure how to mitigate the risk. Any ideas?

8/16/2019 10:13:38 AM

New Berlin,NY

This is information I would also love to hear.

8/20/2019 2:49:44 PM

Netherlands

I think most of us are trying to figure that one out still. I'm trying a few techniques this year to see what might help. The wrong shape is one reason why they split. You really want one that is straight, but even that is no guarantee.

8/21/2019 3:06:13 AM

Plattsburgh, NY

I was going easy on it, because it's growing well without fertilizer... then I decided I wasn't here for a participation trophy, so I've turned it up in the last few days. Not feeding it like my pumpkin, but giving it much more than I was.

8/21/2019 10:10:30 AM

Dorset UK

Participation? LOL!
I grew 4 over 200 lbs which didn't quite make it by using only using a little fertiliser when the plants were small.
No mycos or anything like that.
Growing them big is easy, growing them big and to maturity without splits is another thing.

8/21/2019 11:51:33 AM

On a cliff in the desert

I guess I am in trouble. I gave my 2 plants lots of fertilizer when they were small because they were growing so slowly. I have been fertilizing them weekly. Now they are getting bloom booster to push out female flowers and the 220 is being stubborn about pushing out female flowers.

8/21/2019 11:58:52 AM

Grittyville, WA

Maybe just manure or compost is sufficient.

8/21/2019 12:26:44 PM

Netherlands

My 206.5 was grown without fertilizer, mycos or anything other than manure at the beginning of the year. That being said, it was on a plot of ground that had been vacant for a few years. This year my largest is also on a lot that is vacant, this time without manure, just some pellets.

8/22/2019 10:01:27 AM

Plattsburgh, NY

Well Mark, it's your seed, so I suppose I should listen to you. I'm one of those people that feels like if one is good, two is better and 15 must be incredible!!! So I will temper my enthusiasm! :)

8/22/2019 10:18:40 AM

Anchorage Alaska

so does over fertilization or watering cause marrows to split in the stem, I have lost a few that way

8/23/2019 12:49:41 AM

Dorset UK

I think that's genetic Dale, the ribs seem to grow around the stem. I think this causes some sort of pressure around the stem which tends to pull things apart I don't have any other explination.

8/23/2019 9:01:17 AM

Anchorage Alaska

thanks Mark, makes sense from what I've seen on the splits now I have only one 154 left and with 4 days to go to weigh off it just might be a new state record..

8/24/2019 12:16:56 AM

North Pole,Alaska

Has anyone noticed incomplete pollination/ uneven seed development in your splits? All my splits have had only partial seed development. Full development with viable seeds in some areas and partial development with nonviable seeds in other areas.The areas with NV seeds seem to start lagging in growth towards the end, resulting in thinner walls in the affected area and finally in my splits. Anyone else have similar results? Does anyone know if seed maturation affects localized growth or visa versa?

8/24/2019 9:51:25 AM

North Pole,Alaska

I did a little experiment last year with a long gourd to see if growth was uniform along the entire length, or concentrated towards one end or the other. It was uniform, like I expected. I may try the same thing next season with marrows to see if I can detect a slow down in localized areas towards maturity. Just don't try to disqualify me because of a checkerboard pattern on my marrow if I get close to your new record, Dale. :)
I'm posting last years growth results in my diary.

8/24/2019 10:00:06 AM

Netherlands

Dave, several of my split marrows had nonviable seeds, either all of them or many of them.

8/26/2019 2:07:13 AM

North Pole,Alaska

Brad, did your WR marrow marrow have even seed development?

8/26/2019 9:07:29 AM

Netherlands

Dave, it did. It was open pollinated and while most seeds turned out to be marrows, a few turned out to be ornamental pumpkins.

8/27/2019 3:11:07 AM

North Pole,Alaska

I've tried to protect the flower from temperature extremes for the first 24+ hrs after pollination use ALOT of pollen, but still haven't gotten close to complete pollination. closest was my 90.5 years ago. I'll be making a more concerted effort to control flower environment in any future attempts. Must have been a great feeling every day to see your marrow continue it's growth for such a long period

8/27/2019 9:57:33 AM

Plattsburgh, NY

My marrow seems to be stalling out around day25... I didn't give the plant a lot of love early in the season and it's pretty beat up. Are they like pumpkins in that once they stop growing, they're not about to start again?

8/28/2019 1:57:30 PM