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Tennessee

I was wondering what most do with the vines located after pumpkin set? I notice some trim all off the main and some leave them. Is there a right answer? Do they take nutrients from the fruit set? Any help would be appreciated.

7/21/2014 7:40:31 PM

Midway, UT

A number of different opinions on this one. I know some growers have terminated the main after the pumpkin to help alleviate stem stress issues. Personally I think there is some value in keeping the main going. It is possible that late in the season that main tip can be sending hormonal signals that it is still growing back to the plant which might help keep the pumpkin growing late into the season. It is all just theory however.

7/21/2014 10:31:44 PM

Tennessee

What about the side vines on the main beyond the fruit? Leave them? Trim every other one or get rid of all the sides beyond pumpkin.

7/21/2014 10:40:40 PM

Nottingham, UK

What I always notice is that my plants take care of vines themselves in that when the fruit kicks into gear, vine growth 'almost' grinds to a halt. Towards the final third stage of the pumpkins time on the plant I have noticed that growth resumes again albeit quite slowly.

So I guess leaving either the main or some secondary's can't have much of an adverse affect in terms of stealing energy. To the contrary, maybe the extra growth/hormone signalling etc is beneficial.

7/22/2014 6:56:24 AM

Little-TON - Colorado

Let em grow....keep the juices flowing

7/22/2014 9:49:26 AM

Rhode Island

agree with skywizzy---biga plantsa grow biga pumpkins.

7/23/2014 8:52:25 AM

Rhode Island

all kidding aside. if you terminate at the pumpkin and you happen to loose the main or part of it due to foam, or rot, or borers?, without that growth and main after the pumpkin, your season could be over.
pap

7/23/2014 8:55:02 AM