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Indiana

Now I understand this might have been discussed already. When I am watching these auctions trying to decide what seed I am going to bid on I start thinking of Greenhouse grown seed vs. outside grown seed. In the past I have planted some of my own seed that has not been grown in a controlled environment and it seems to be more aggressive than parent seed planted the year before. Just wondering if I were to purchase a seed from a grower who grew a pumpkin inside a greenhouse, controlled environment how aggressive that pumpkin plant would be outside in a non controlled environment? Not saying there is anything wrong with the growers who plant inside greenhouses just curious what every ones thoughts are on this. Thanks to any one who replies

1/2/2015 9:30:42 PM

Mission Viejo, CA

Hey so I just asked a similar question regarding growing seeds that have seen a similar environment, as I was offered some seeds from a cold weather environment. Matt DeBacco's response was that he believed it would take many generations for a seed to be influenced by its environment to the point where the genetics are influenced. I think this applies to your question also

1/2/2015 10:10:46 PM

Waterville, Ohio

I often wondered if even soil pH, nutrient levels and soil texture made an impression on offspring.
It's an interesting thought on how various factors could eventually dictate how a plant thrives in a certain region.

1/2/2015 10:44:19 PM

Lodi, California

To add to Kevin's comment:
It would be very hard for the enviornment to affect genetics when it comes to AG's, because in order for any species to adapt to the environment, some members of the species have to die due to their inability to cope with an environmental factor, leaving behind the members of the species that have the ability to cope with these factors, and eventually reproduce to create similarly able offspring. However, AG's are normally pampered by us growers (you have to admit that a daily fertilizing program, an average of 30-50 gallons of water a day, and in some less forgiving environments, the use of misting systems/shade cloth/greenhouses/etc. are along the lines of "pampering"). This leads to a pretty low mortality rate in AG's. Sure, that potentually prize winning pumpkin might have a spot of disease that you missed that would eventually lead to it's downfall, but then again, many plants do catch disease, and due to all of that fungicide that you have used, I would not reccomend using that squash for pumpkin pie.

However, there is still some adaptation that takes place, and it is the result of breeding. Many of the growers on this forum try to pick seed to grow that is the most pleasing to them, wether it is a cross that has much potential due to parent weights {ex. 2323 Meier [2009 W. (Produced the,,, 2323) x 2328 M. (Produced the 2096 Meier)] average parent weight = (2323 + 2096)/2 = 2,209.5 pounds}, you like the shape/color/agressiveness of plant /etc.. This continued breeding results in better seed quality.

1/3/2015 5:45:23 AM

Lodi, California

Reverting back to the original question: It depends on your environment. If it is 35 Degrees at night dueing the summer, you might as well buy a greenhouse or not grow at all. However, most growers are more fortunate than this. Weather in Indiana (at least central Indiana, I cannot be sure of your exact weather) tends to have lows above 50 for the most part of the summer, with monthly averages ranging from about 56 to 65. Highs tend to be above 70 with scattered mid 80's. In this case, you would not need a greenhouse to produce a large squash, as your temperatures seem to be substantial. Keep in mind that large greenhouses are normally used when it is simply too cold to grow with considerable yields. However, greenhouses can come in handy if you want to produce a super specific environment (say lows of 65 F and highs of 80 F). So if you pick a seed that has been grown in a greenhouse, it should grow without a problem in your weather.

1/3/2015 5:45:41 AM

Farming- a bunch of catastrophies that result in a lifestyle

I grew out my winter project seed this year- it showed no measurable differences to the seeds grown outside.

1/3/2015 8:11:22 AM

New Richmond WI

Around 2003 I purchased marigold seedlings from a local greenhouse and put them in my flower pots and garden. At the end of the year I harvested the seeds to grow the following year. I repeated this for several years in a row. Each year, the marigold plants and flower became noticeably larger, stronger and more vigorous. It made me wonder if they became accustomed to the climate or was it genetics or both. It was really cool.

1/4/2015 7:31:56 AM

Muddy Waters

To answer your question.It would have no effect.

1/4/2015 9:04:51 AM