From

Location

Message

Date Posted

San Jose

Plant is doing well, pumpkin at 260 lbs DAP 25, 23 lbs a
day, but, like every year my leaves are on 3 1/2 foot high
stalks---plant gets sun from 8:30am to 5:00pm with a couple
of 1/2 hour shade breaks. Are my leaves/stalks reaching for
light, or maybe too much nitrogen? San Jose summers are at
avg 90+ degrees, Just asking, because I don't see any other
patches that look like mine.

7/31/2018 11:36:21 PM

Colorado

Im thinking the 240 sq ft has quite a bit to do with it.If the plant is tallish genetically and your soil is rich then the plant wants to grow 1000square foot of vegetation in a 240 square foot spot so up she goes.

8/1/2018 12:32:26 AM

Upa Creek, MO

I agree with Joe and the light part. Mine plants are only 275 sq feet and I get sun from 9am-130pm right now then all shade. My leaves are at a minimum 4 feet tall every single year. I have a few 5.5 footers out there too. It makes it really hard to walk in the patch without tearing the leaves up or knocking down, but I attribute my scenario from growing in shade. I tape a pocket knife to a long stick each year and work cutting new growth from the outside to avoid getting in there unless it's inspection time for vines.

8/1/2018 7:52:54 AM

Georgia

Geez, 5 foot tall stalks is crazy. My plants get full sun from about 9:30am to 7:00pm and my stalks never get over 2 feet or so. But then again, I have been growing regular non-Dill Atlantic Giants.

8/1/2018 9:32:41 AM

San Jose

Thanks Joe & Luke,
Joe, yes, my patch soil is rich, being so small I can load
it up with my homemade compost and till in all the necessary
amendments.
Luke, I do think more sun would help me, and you should see
how many bamboo stakes with twist ties hold up my leaf
stalks that get knocked down by wind, or by me, but they
seem to work.

8/4/2018 12:45:27 AM

Upa Creek, MO

Kurt, same here, I’d say about 75% of my leaves are staked up. End of season plant removal is a pain cause I can’t compost the zip ties

8/4/2018 11:40:39 AM