Top Proven Seeds
Last year when researching the top proven seeds to plant, I
compiled a list of 91 seeds that had popped at least one 1,000
lb'er. This year I don't believe half a ton is good enough to
qualify as a top proven seed. At least, 121 thousand-pound
plus pumpkins were grown this year from various seeds and that
doesn't count a few pumpkins growers didn't bother to haul to a
weigh-off.
At some weigh-offs a 1,000 pounder will get you maybe in the
top ten. What you really need is a 1,200 or so to get any
attention and a bit more than that to garner a bit of respect.
So this year I looked for seeds that had produced at least one
pumpkin near a respectable 1,200 lbs and came up with a list of
30 seeds that I'm calling the top PROVEN seeds. If you're
really serious about a big one - these are the seeds to look
for in your seed pile or at the auctions. You can see my list
at:
http://home.pacbell.net/diana_do/topseeds.htm
Examining the genetics of the 30 seeds that are producing the
really big ones, one striking fact is revealed. Almost all are
crosses involving four great seeds - 723 Bobier, 846 Calai, 845
Bobier 2000 and the 898 Knauss or two of their precursors, the
935 Lloyd and the 801 Stelts.
If you can't beg, borrow or steal any of the seeds on the top
30 list look for crosses involving the above six seeds or their
off-spring, I believe there are many of these crosses out there
just waiting to be proven in a big way.
My list of top proven seeds was compiled mainly from the AGGC
database, many thanks Mike for providing such a great resource.
Happy growing to all this season and best of luck,
vince
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