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Whiteland

Hello,

My name is Brittany and I am new to growing pumpkins. I have started six pumpkin seeds in a small container and they are past ready to go into the ground. I am having trouble preparing the area for these pumpkins sprouts, but still plan on getting these in the ground very soon, I live in central Indiana. They are about three and a half inches tall and are already starting to sprout a fourth leaf. I read that pumpkin roots are very sensitive and any shock to them could kill them. How likely am I to kill my Sprouts when I move these from the container to the ground? I've already seen the root system in this container and they look Tangled so I'm very worried that I've grown these for nothing. Thank you for your advice!

4/26/2017 7:49:41 PM

aurora, IL

Welcome to this great hobby of growing giant pumpkins! :) It will be difficult to separate the plants, because their roots will be tangled together and they could die if separated due to broken roots. My opinion would be to start over and plant the seeds one to a pot.

4/26/2017 8:50:17 PM

west central IN/East central IL

They are tough plants. I'd put them in larger pots to give you more time.2-3gallon pots should give you a couple more weeks. Good luck

4/26/2017 8:54:49 PM

Whiteland

I'll attenpt to separate them and also start more, one per container. I thought I would be ready when these were ready to be planted, but life and work got in the way haha! I'll attempt to save my seedlings, but I'm learnimg :) Thank you very much!!

4/26/2017 9:13:57 PM

Menomonie, WI (mail@gr8pumpkin.net)

What are you growing for seeds Brittany. This time of year us seasoned pumpkin growers often have back up available to new growers. Give us an Idea of what state you live in and may be we can find you a mentor to help you succeed

4/26/2017 9:26:13 PM

Grittyville, WA

I think you might do well to leave them together for now, maybe pot them up a size... not sure dividing them is gonna be your best option. I keep telling my story about have two plants grow out of the same 1 gal. pot and then getting 2400 lbs of pumpkins from the two plants.

Although it's uncommon to plant so many together, it may work well to just wait and plant all six together and hope for the best.

4/27/2017 5:23:14 AM

Marion,IN

Welcome to the madness Brittany! Have you checked out the Indiana growers website? A lot of helpful info on there. There are some growers that are pretty close to you. If have any further questions, ask!

Mark G.

4/27/2017 12:27:01 PM

Emmetsburg, Iowa

In stead of untangling all of them, you could just snip off the tops of a couple, then separate them later. Like snip three off and seperate the other three couple days later after the roots dry out from the snipped plants.

4/27/2017 7:50:38 PM

Oak Grove, Mn

if it was me..i would pick the strongest of the 6....and snip to keep that one..it might be fun....pick one to snip every day...at the end..you will be growing your favorite

4/27/2017 7:58:30 PM