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South Dakota

I'm sure this has been talked about many times but I can't find the post... I'm pretty much a newbie. My plant is in a Christmas tree pattern and I have my pumpkin set around 20' on the main vine. Do I let the secondaries keep growing after the pumpkin? I plan to let the main vine grow as long as it will. I've configured the vine so that the pumpkin has plenty of space. Do i gain or lose by letting secondaries keep growing?

7/20/2018 9:49:31 AM

Anamosa, IA BPIowegian@aol.com

I think you will benefit from more vine. More roots to draw more water and nutrients. More photosynthesis means more sugars and starches to send to the fruit. You want to keep some new growth, as the old leaves will deteriorate and not function as well. Just don't let the plant go wild growing vines and switch away from growing the fruit. Moderation.

7/20/2018 11:35:21 AM

South Dakota

Thanks! I see on some diaries that guys are terminating vines past the pumpkin. I hadn't planned to, but didn't want to be doing a disservice to the end result.

7/20/2018 12:48:10 PM

South Dakota

Mike, what part of SD are you? I live in Plankinton. My first grow too, hell of a lot of work. I have two vines going in a small 250 sq ft bed, so know mine will not be huge, but seriously 500 lbs would thrill me to no end. Do you know anything about the weigh off that is held in Rapid City? Is there any sign up or preregistration. Apparently my local weigh off had a July 1 deadline to enter. Not sure why so early, but rules are rules.

7/20/2018 2:18:14 PM

Grittyville, WA

A bigger plant will need more roots (and water and maybe fertilizer) but either way you could get a big pumpkin. The pros push the plants all the way. If you have a healtiy plant with healthy roots... You could end up with a great result if you let it grow & keep the foot to the pedal.

7/20/2018 4:56:25 PM

South Dakota

Lance is that you!? Lol. I’m in Plankinton too. This is Mike Erickson.

7/20/2018 10:58:55 PM

South Dakota

Mike, how's your pumpkins going. I have one that's looking pretty good, 12 DAP and is over the size of a volleyball. Both my plants are 1918.5 Qualley 2016. The one doing really good is a self cross. I also have a sib cross, but not doing as good. I am still getting lots of male flowers if you want some pollen.

7/23/2018 6:57:24 PM