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Albany, WI

I don't want to grow the biggest pumpkin I can. I want them to be impressively big to the average person, but now so big I need a fork lift! Maybe 300 pounds or so. For me, beauty is critical. The really big ones seem to be grown on their side, presumably so the stem can reach it. But I'd prefer to have them grow normal side down. Any suggestions for me? How do I make a gorgeous big pumpkin?

5/4/2014 2:19:02 PM

Elk County, PA

All starts with the seed. Either get the seeds that are known to produce pretty and orange, or their offspring. Keeping a couple on the vine will limit the size.

Or try this breed.

http://www.hollandsgiants.com/monsterSmash.html

5/4/2014 3:38:36 PM

Menomonie, WI (mail@gr8pumpkin.net)

They need to be grown on their sides or you will have issues with stem stress and water collects in the stem area resulting in rot. The gorgeous part is all genetics. Some of use breed to stay orange and pretty.

5/4/2014 3:50:08 PM

Pocatello (cliffwarren@yahoo.com)

There are growers who have grown them on the blossom end. The results can be beautiful. There are a number of challenges to overcome, however. For example, you may need a "cradle" to protect the blossom end, and you have to account for the vine running up and over the top of the fruit. This and probably a few other challenges that I'm not thinking of... But it can be done. The one grower I remember is Vince Zunino.

Consider that even halloween pumpkins usually don't grow on their blossom end. They just don't get heavy and flat on one side.

5/4/2014 5:55:10 PM

Albany, WI

Thanks for the replies, guys. I liked the 300 pounders on the Hollands site. I think I'll experiment with having their bottoms down. I'll have to try to encourage some slack in the vine near where they're growing. And I'll remember to dry off the stem area after each rain and watering.

5/4/2014 5:57:32 PM