From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Randlett, Oklahoma

Hello all, I have had a very hard time getting pumpkins to set this year. I finally got some. On one plant I have one set (if you go) about 15 feet down the main, and then 15 feet to the side on a secondary. Its 10 DAP. I also have one that appears to be set about 28 ft down the main. Ultimate plant size will be 30x30. So how would you pick? older kin on the end of a secondary or at the end of a long main?

The next plant is similar but the one on the secondary is much closer to the main. maybe 6 ft. Also have one on the main at 28ft. Same case here, the secondary is about 13 DAP and on the main is about 3 DAP.

How would you go about selecting which to keep. Is main vine always better, even if you give up some days growth? Lets assume placement/shape/cross etc are all equal. just debating location.

7/4/2017 12:32:26 AM

Hanson Ma

I would leave them both for awhile. Your main could grow lot more. you could end up with 2 nice pumpkins. I've been going by the rookie of last year. 2106 on a side vine open pollinated so any things possible.

7/4/2017 5:33:01 AM

Randlett, Oklahoma

Yes but he trained his secondary to become new main. That's not an option for me. also I just was want 1 big kin for competition

7/4/2017 9:31:03 AM

Colorado

Id go with the one on the main.The side vine pumpkin will prob. be bigger at the same age early but the fruit on the main will eventually be bigger.Leave them both on till you got the choosen one positioned where you want it and youre sure its set and growing good.They wont compete with each other until theyre about 21 days old.

7/4/2017 11:06:41 PM

Dillonvale, Ohio

I've heard that any side vine starts out really fast, but slows down fast too. 28' is a long way out on the main. I would probably give it a couple weeks, take daily measurements, then decide. Keeping in mind that secondaries start out fast

7/4/2017 11:14:54 PM

Bethlehem CT

jakeb30 On another thread we were just talking about the idea of allowing a pumpkin to grow on a secondary, but to first cut the secondary from the main vine. That way it will not be stealing any energy from the main vine pumpkin. Those pumpkins grown on amputated side vines can still reach 200-300 pounds Your plants are really big, I am sure they won't miss a few secondaries.

7/5/2017 7:45:39 AM

Little-TON - Colorado

Ole Barry Todd grew a 1300+ fruit way out there on the vine....I still remember the look on our faces when the fruit showed up at Nicks....Go Main, go BIG

7/5/2017 11:48:41 AM