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Kansas City, MO

Hello everyone-I'm new to growing pumpkins and have been reading lots of posts on the forum. They have been very helpful!

I did have a question about my seeds I saved the seeds from a small (75 lbs) Prizewinner pumpkin I got last year. I am trying to figure out if I should use these seeds or look at another route to acquire seeds. We are looking to grow smaller pumpkins due to the limited space we have.

What are everyone's thoughts on using the seeds from the pumpkin I had last year vs. purchasing some (like prizewinner variety) from a vendor. It seems like most everyone here tries to grow the giants, so I hope i'm not too out of line by asking about the smaller varieties!

2/29/2016 11:43:25 PM

Menomonie, WI (mail@gr8pumpkin.net)

Do you want to grow a pumpkin or a giant pumpkin? That is the true question. If you want to grow a Giant Pumpkin get rid of those seeds and find some giant pumpkin seeds with genealogy and the characteristics you are looking for.

3/1/2016 7:36:13 AM

Menomonie, WI (mail@gr8pumpkin.net)

Sorry did not read the bottom of your question. Purchase new seeds, unless you know you have a controlled pollination from a non hybrid pumpkin.

3/1/2016 7:37:22 AM

Kansas City, MO

Thanks for the reply. Here are a couple more question to your response. Why is controlled pollination important? What happens if pollination wasn't controlled? Also, where would be a good, reliable place to purchase smaller seeds from if I don't use what I saved?

Again, I'm new here so, please bear with me! Thanks

3/1/2016 10:11:12 AM

Central NY

Short answer , pumpkin may have been pollinated with nearby squash plants...if you are sure nothing was nearby, the seeds are probably ok but I would check to see if any growers on this site have the prizewinner variety ...the genetics will be better...goid luck

3/1/2016 10:40:44 AM

Kansas City, MO

Thanks Porkchop! That makes sense. I know this farmer grew lots of other pumpkins and squash, so that could very well be the case. I have a friend that wanted to try to grow, so maybe he can be the guinea pig with these seeds I have.

As far as looking for seeds on the site, where would you recommend I post/look for those on the site? I know a lot of these forums have etiquette and I just want to make sure I follow the rules. :) Thanks for the reply!

3/1/2016 12:17:27 PM

Eastern Pennsylvania

The best place to request seeds is on the seed exchange message board down lower than this category.

Have a look at the grower diaries from past year. Click on the little envelope in the top corner to see the grower's email address. Then you can ask that grower directly for the seeds.

Here's a hint: Nana Rea (Glenna) grows the best Prizewinners every year. Good luck!

3/1/2016 1:29:06 PM

Oz

Atlantic Giants are not as easy to grow as prizewinners.

AGs skin tends to be temperamental.
Most are bigger than prizewinners.

If you look at pictures of growers patches,you will get an idea of how much space you need for each A.G. plant.

Best to decide if you want to eat them or carve them.
Howdens are good eating.I cut off the top,gut em,and then put in cut up pumpkins,with cinnamon,butter,etc.,and of course cook em.

There are A.G. seed,,,co-ops,,dealers,and clubs.
You can find all on here.

3/1/2016 1:38:42 PM

Central NY

Oh yes.. Nana Rea for sure... Here's another hint ,site search moonshine

3/3/2016 8:01:57 PM

Massillon, Ohio

Thanks guys. We have been in contact and Jon is off to a good start and is excited about his new hobby. And, you won't find my name when you google moonshine!!

3/4/2016 8:20:36 AM

Massillon, Ohio

Oops! I have to take that back!!

3/4/2016 8:22:25 AM

Aurora

feel free to send me an email Jon Taco at -
chanjul@hawk.iit.edu
I can set you up with seeds to help you and let me know if you would like to stick with a smaller variety or larger because I can do both.

3/4/2016 11:04:28 AM