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hillsdale Mi

My biggest kin is 19 dap growing very nicely but it is already a darker yellow color than the one that is a week younger. My question would be why would it be darkening (toward orange) already, and how long will it taken to ripen and stop growing. Any ideas would be awsome.

8/8/2013 5:59:03 PM

Washington Co. Va.

yes I am In va. and would like to now how long the pumkins grow into the fall wether

8/8/2013 7:15:37 PM

South Hero, VT

Exposure to sunlight will do that. Genetics also affect how orange a pumpkin is. Sheltering the fruit with sheets/tarp will slow down the orange color and help keep the skin smooth on a pumpkin..

Giant pumpkins usually stop growing(or slow WAY down) by the beginning of October(cool weather). Covering them at night with blankets and building a reemay tent over the leaves and fruit can also extend the growth period.

8/8/2013 8:07:13 PM

hillsdale Mi

Thank you for the response It is a prizwinner so it may just be the gene I have had it covered since it was pollinated but I didn't know if maybe the ferts were assisting in the ripening of it or not iv been following hollands feeding plan all year. And by reemay tent over the leaves what exctly do you mean like a shade tent or to keep warmth in?

8/8/2013 8:17:56 PM

South Hero, VT

Reemay is one name for row cover fabric. Steve Connolly grew his 1568 inside a structure of lumber and fabric in 2008.

Check out the dvd"Growing Giant Pumpkins SNGPG Style" to see how this was done.

Prizewinner pumpkins are renowned for their orange color. Some people have crossed Prizewinners with Atlantic Giants to strengthen the orange genetics.

8/8/2013 9:23:58 PM

Farming- a bunch of catastrophies that result in a lifestyle

YB- my two oldest prize winners are at 40 or so days, they definitely do everything faster than the AG's. Both of them started turning pretty orange about the same age yours are. They grew super fast to a little over beach ball size and since then they have been plodding along at about 1/2" a day. I really like the color on them- they are so pretty!

8/9/2013 6:31:39 AM

hillsdale Mi

Thanks for clearing that up I may be able to rig something up that would work for that, lb mine have hauled butt so far the circumfrence is 60" as of yesterday so we shall see how they turn out.

8/9/2013 5:38:43 PM