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denver,co.

i have had two pumpkins get to 98" then they stop growing. whats up anybody know? i have posted here before and never got any replies, is there a secret to this or are these just stupid questions.

8/14/2002 10:14:52 PM

Knopp, Germany

not stupid questions, newbies should ask questions, how else we gonna learn. i had the same problem, i believe it is weather related in my case, however, i also believe that i didn't prepare my soil correctly this year. i'm sure they both have something to do with it.

8/14/2002 11:15:13 PM

Circleville ,OH.

Check the very ends of your vines. If they are curled down the plant is ok and the pumpkin may just be growing very slow.When the plant gets stressed(bugs or diseases) I have found the vine ends go straight up(no downward curl).Also try to measure only once or twice a week that a way you wont get worried on times of slow growth.

8/14/2002 11:56:46 PM

Garden State Pumpkins

Also in the heat have a tendancy to water alot more. The extra water and heat are great places for fungi to grow. The plant's canopy of leaves promote the perfect micro enviroment for the disease to spread. An extra dose of fungicide won't hurt ya. Chuck

8/15/2002 7:56:58 AM

Herndon, VA

Like the previous posts suggest, it can be a multitude of reasons. Is your plant healthy? Have temperatures been upwards of 95 degrees lately? Your soil may be lacking lacking something, have you done a soil test? Have you checked th fruit for cracks or splits? Even the smallest crack, if opened through to the cavity, will allow air into the pumpkin and cause it to rot. Does your plant get full sun?

Finally there is the genetic factor. If both pumpkins are on the same plant, maybe that's all she'll do; try a different seed next year. If they're on different plants than I'd bet on something enviornmental.

8/15/2002 9:05:31 AM

denver,co.

thanks to all, temps have been in the upper 90s for almost 50 days here. i try to deep water with a slow flow to keep moisture down. if it is bacterial is there any hope in saving it?

8/15/2002 11:07:34 PM