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Minnesota(dw447@fastmail.fm)

I had a recent post asking what to do about a double vine. After inspecting my plant today, it looks to be a flat vine, with three growing tips on the main. None are separating yet.

Should I carefully try to cut it down to one growing tip on the main? No strong side vines are coming out yet(but this could be an option). Anyone with experience in correcting a flat vine?

My plan is to grow a self-pollinated pumpkin on this plant(603.5 Muller 03), and hope the mutant vine trait isn't passed on to it's progeny. The size of the pumpkin is of lesser concern.

6/10/2015 11:20:40 PM

Springfield, VT

There are three ways to handle the situation. First pull the plant and go with a backup. Second trim out some of the tip and hope a new main comes out if it. Third trim the main back to a good secondary and let it become the main.

I had a plant that went double and finally went flat and tried option 2 and have gone with option 3 with two secondary vines to select from for the new main

6/11/2015 8:30:17 AM

Colorado

Doug go with option three. Trim all of the tips growth buds-keep trim as small as possible to end up with a tiny hole. Grow one of the last two secondarys as your main. I trim the tip of the main carefully and don't try to get it 100% with the first cut. Then in a few days some will grow/develop and a second trim will get it all. get out that sharp knife its good therapy

6/11/2015 12:21:52 PM

South Hero, VT

Doug, check out my diary. I had 2 secondary vines and a double main growing together on my 603 Muller. I gave the plant LOTS of water and fertilizers and the plant straightened itself out. It's now growing a foot a day, but is lagging the growth of my other plants.

6/11/2015 9:05:02 PM

Colorado

Steve you had a double and two singles coming out together. A flat vine is a different situation-theyre a poor bet to correct themselves.

6/11/2015 11:35:13 PM

Minnesota(dw447@fastmail.fm)

Steve,

Thanks for posting the pics in your diary of your 603 Muller. I'm glad it straightened out for you.

Mine is now a flatvine and looks to have three heads growing together. I'm not giving up on it, but will have to make some decisions soon.

6/12/2015 1:22:16 AM

Minnesota(dw447@fastmail.fm)

Thanks for all the replies. Your time and input are much appreciated!

I checked the plant today, and found that the vine was branching out on each side of the mainvine(at the tip), into what looks like the start of single vines. Therefore I cut out the center growing tip of the mess. I'll monitor each of the two growing tips at the end of the main, to see which grows better, or normally. Then I'll go with that vine. If things don't work out there, I can go with a side vine. That's the plan anyway.

6/13/2015 9:50:41 PM