Growth
Rocky-I agree with your comments,every fruit acts individually,no two are
ever the same.
A grower should never get discouraged by slower than average early growth
(where there is life there is hope)at the same time we shouldn't get too
excited(but we do) about exceptionally fast early growth.I have almost
always lost them when that happened.
A good example of an exception is the 862 VanIderstine 99 (beat the PEI
record by some 140 pounds)and I think Bill said it was under 11" at 10 days.
So early growth is only an indicator not the end of the story by any
means.It does give us something to think about though on the seemingly slow
route to the scales.--AE
*****************************
Al is very right about the guidelines he has set up for 10 and 20 days, but
also
remember that the exceptions to the rule are what is coined as late vigor. I
was
at 47 inches on day 20 with my 815 fruit (which I am having a rough time
deciding which fruits to cull - they all look so nice!!) , but on day 30
(yesterday) I was at 88 inches circumference, 206 OTT. 41 inches in 10 days,
and
the last 3 days my fruit has been putting 20 pounds a day, and I look
forward to
even bigger jumps over the next 2 weeks...
In 1998 I went into August with my 879 with measurements at
94-60-64=218OTT
and went out at the end of August at 149-86.5-94=329.5OTT. This was a jump
in
estimated weight of 489 pounds in one month.. These growths can be Jack and
the
Bean Stalkish, and that is one of the biggest reasons we do this.. I will be
there the same, if not ahead of these numbers this year on August 1st, with
out
being at 60" on day 20, so don't ever get discouraged, unless you are at 20"
at
60 days, then you are in big trouble!!..
The best feeling is going on vacation and coming back 4 or 5 days later
to
see your fruit grow over 100 pounds in that time frame. Of course, get a
good
pumpkin sitter for piece of mind.. Sad part is, I do forget about work while
I
go on vacation, but I still worry about the little things in the patch,
cause
only you know the entire patch inside and out.
Just remember, there is early vigor, late vigor and then those that just
chug along. You never know which version you have, but you can use seeds
with
histories of one of those traits, and hope it is a plant that is just like
its
mom or grand mom.. Good luck, and may the miracle-gro be with you...
The Eatons wrote:
> Hello Mark Fowler-you are so right,it is truly a thrill to see how fast
> those young fruit can grow.
>
> If they grow too fast though they may split and if they grow too slow they
> will never amount to much.
>
> We have some control over our plants but in addition every plant and fruit
> have a "will" of their own,that often is a surprise.
>
> I have a "rule of thumb" that I have evolved over several years and the
> results from dozens of plants.The following growth,at least as far as I am
> concerned,is the indication of a "good" fruit come fall.
>
> *****************20" on Day 10 and 60" on Day 20***********
>
> That is,inches in the conventional horizontal circumference.
>
> They may grow slower or faster than that and still be successful (there
are
> exceptions to everything in this hobby) but the above is a good middle of
> the road place to to be I find.
>
> So Mark,use the above guideline,on size vs days from pollination and see
how
> your AG growth looks.Then you will have some idea of how to rate your
> growth.
>
> I would be interested in seeing those numbers---Cheers--AE
>
> ******************************
> Hey Gang,
> I know this may sound trivial to most of you experienced growers but I
just
> had to give an update. As a first year grower I have learned a tremendous
> amount about this sport. I have been watching my main pumpkin very closely
> and am so excited at what I am seeing! It is now about twice the size of a
> softball and I cannot believe it's growth rate. Since I measured it 24
hours
> ago it has gained 2 1/2" in size. Over the last for hours it picked up
> 3/4"!!! I am amazed at how quickly it can happen.
> Is this a good growth rate for a young pumkin or am I getting all worked
up
> about nothing?
>
> Thanks,
> Mark Fowler
>
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--
***Rocky Rockwell***
Personal site - http://home.Cyber-Quest.com/Rocky.R
Pennsylvania Giant Pumpkin Grower's Association - http://www.PGPGA.com
.... Fair and Equitable ....
Just remember .... "It is what it is" ....
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