Re: Day light or heat ?
In a message dated 8/31/00 5:41:07 AM Eastern Daylight Time,
pistono@tznet.com writes:
<< My question is does the amount of daylight have any effect on the growth
rate of a pumpkin, or is it the amount of heat during the day and night time?
What I'm getting around to would it pay to erect a green house around one of
my plants in September to maintain a higher over all temp. thanks mark
>>
Mark:
Length of daylight hours and mild sun intensity during the late spring and
summer play key roles in AG growth. Longest daylight hours of soft sunshine
and ambient temps in the low to mid 80's during the day and in the 60's at
night is good. This allows your plant to develop the biggest fruit possible.
(We all wish for perfect conditions like that.) Heat, such as what we
experience here in FL during the late spring and summer (high 90's day, 80's
at night, 98% humidity) is not desirable, but considered hostile for AG
growth.
The closer we get to Sept in the northern hemisphere, the shorter the
daylight hours are and the further away from the sun we get as the Earth
turns on it's axis. The result of this is felt in the northern latitudes
first; the temps get cooler as the days get shorter. This combination causes
the fruit's growth to slow down. It will still grow, but at a slower rate. By
mid Sept, light frost is likely to be a concern at night, with daytime temps
still above 55 degrees F. So, to prevent frost from doing your plant in, a
protective cover is a good idea. Floating row cover will do. No need to erect
an expensive greenhouse.
Since I don't know where you're growing, I can't be more specific than that.
Obviously, your micro climate matters the most when making important growing
decisions. Base your decions on your micro climate, not your latitude.
Chances are, you may need a light cover to protect your plants at night late
in the season, but as long as the daytime temps stay above 55 degrees F.,
your plant will continue to support your pumpkin's growth.
Barb Kincaid
Orlando, FL
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