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San Clemente, CA

I have a pumpkin that is about 200lbs on a bed of sand. The fruit pollinated way back in May. The growth has tailed off and the stem is a bit soft, have been applying fungacide over last week on stem. The leaves are a bit stressed and it seems like it might be done. Should I cut the pumpkin off or can I leave it till.............??

8/14/2007 11:56:07 AM

Menomonie, WI (mail@gr8pumpkin.net)

Well from experience in the field a pumpkin keeps longer attached to the vine. I would try keeping it cool and dry. Which may be impossible in your situation and bringing in out of the sun and elements is the only option. The keep for a long time..although they are loosing weight through out the process. May to August is close to 120 days of growth after pollination. If she continued growing this long you were lucky. 60-90 days is normal.

8/14/2007 1:13:20 PM

southwest MO

I would cut it off... The problem is it will begin roting in a circle all around the base of the stem... If your already soft the juice is no longer flowing and the friut cant help repair itself. You can't stop the rot at that point it just gets deeper and more unsightly every day... (IMHO)

8/14/2007 1:15:58 PM

San Clemente, CA

Here is the stem, dry,, out of sun.. ....

http://www.bigpumpkins.com/DiaryImages/FullSize/72337.jpg

Any advice would be great.

8/15/2007 12:59:37 AM

San Jose garysand@pacbell.net

i say cut it and store in cool place, and hope it is good till halloween

8/15/2007 9:30:05 PM