From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Phoenix Az

I am a new pumpkin grower and I was wondering is it normal for the seed coat to fall off underground.Did I file it wrong?

4/14/2003 1:35:36 AM

Caceres, mid west of Spain

That's great man. Then, you don't need to use your clumsey fat sausage fingers to do it.

4/14/2003 3:01:58 AM

Phoenix Az

But would that effect root growth.

4/14/2003 3:09:50 AM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

Anything that avoids stress on the emerging seedling should benefit the roots as well. It is possible (likely) that the seed coat contains hormones that are essential to seedling developement. Any physical contact with the seed coat should result in adequate transfer.
I agree with Don Carlos that you did well & that the seedling would likely have benfitted.
Steve

4/14/2003 5:52:04 AM

Sydney, Australia

I agree with Don......removing the seed coat by hand can be a tricky thing to do with the risk of damage..... Get some direct sunlight onto that seedling to prevent leggyness. Good luck!!! Ben

4/14/2003 6:02:55 AM

Phoenix Az

I have it on a grow light now. I was not sure i am a new grower this is my first giant pumpkin. My neighbor is also going to grow giant pumpins, we are having a little contest.

4/14/2003 6:19:42 PM

In the shade - PDX, OR

Take the little tyke outside into the direct light, but don't fry it.

It's gotta be what, something like the mid to high 80's with direct sunlight there in the Valley of the Sun.

If you leave it indoors, make sure that your light is right above the seedling to prevent leggyness.
Don't worry about the seed coat - the roots will grow just fine. They might be at the bottom of the pot already depending on the size that you used.

Good Luck.

4/14/2003 7:47:17 PM

Phoenix Az

The root is at the bottem of the pot. These are just test seeds I am doing a experiment to see how they sprout best. I will plant my real seeds in a couple days. Thanks for your help.

4/14/2003 9:02:12 PM

syracuse, ny

it would be good to keep them under lights for 24/7...don't rely on day and night, as this WILL cause a much-longer
stem than necessary--not sure about combining the two--
daytime mild sun and gro-lites at night--i think that even if we do shock the plants by putting them out all-of-a-sudden, they are such thick little buggers we don't see the effects, and they DO get over it. tough love, i guess! 'pal

4/23/2003 1:57:09 PM

Phoenix Az

Thats what I will do. I have now planted my 840 contest seed and it has just popped up.

4/23/2003 4:54:12 PM