From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Whidbey Island

We finally are getting some heat after a miserably cold June and July. I however got things pollinated fairly early, in mid-June, so now 50 - 60 days later they are slowing down. This July was exceptionally cool, but it raises a question I have thought about several times.

Might it be better for us on this side of the Cascades to start later, pollinate later (say mid to late July) and ride what little late summer heat we get? I'm thinking of delaying my starts next year 2 - 3 weeks.

Any comments, suggestions?

8/19/2016 7:21:21 PM

Central NY

If you are trying to break the world record then you have to start early...if not... wait an extra ten days ...you'll catch up

8/19/2016 9:29:37 PM

Mill Bay, British Columbia

In our typical climate in our part of the PNW, I just simply can't get a plant large enough to get a pumpkin pollinated any earlier than the first week of July. I have started plants earlier, used larger hoop houses and tried everything I could think of, but plants are always too small. When I first started growing, Jake Van Kooten told me to target pollination for the first 10 days in July since we almost always get the "Indian Summer" in September. I think the only way we can compete with growers like California Chris, is to grow in a full greenhouse like a lot of other growers do. This year, in typical fashion, we were successfully pollinated on July 2nd and 6th and with a good September, should be able to have 1000 lb plus pumpkins by the time weighoff rolls around.

8/20/2016 11:16:18 AM

Kentucky, U.S.A.

Kentucky (south central) is a whole nother world. We know two things, it will get smoldering hot and we will get some rain. When and how much rain is always a crap shoot. I start in two sets, two weeks apart. I try to get one or two in the ground early for local fair(s) and then the rest by May 15.

8/21/2016 5:08:51 PM