Re: pumpkins on secondary vines
In a message dated 7/25/2001 8:41:16 AM Eastern Daylight Time,
BChris1335@aol.com writes:
<< I have several pumpkins on
secondary vines that are growing faster then the pumpkins set on the main
vines. They are smaller but they are 5-7 days younger then the main vine
pumpkins, and will probably surpass the larger (older) ones within the week.
Which one do I cull? Faster is better then slow, main vine is better
then
secondary, but over the next two months which is likely to be the most
important and will provide a bigger pumpkin? >>
Brian:
Can I assume that all fruits in question are in a good position to the vine,
have good shapes, solid, long stems and are otherwise healthy?
Here's what I do~ record their growth by taking circumference readings
(parallel to ground, around blossom end to stem end at the plumpest point)
every two days between the 10th and 20th day after pollination. It is a lot
of work, but it's a great way to see which is growing faster and HOW they're
developing (shape, sag lines, stem development, etc).
Keep a record on each pumpkin. Make your initial culling decisions after
you've charted all of your fruit's growth. As you compare growth, it will be
clearer to see which are growing better.
Cull down to two fruits and then chart them for another week or so. The
decision becomes easier as you go.
Barb
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Pumpkin-growing FAQ: http://www.hort.net/lists/pumpkins/search.cgi
To sign-off this list, send email to majordomo@mallorn.com with the
message text UNSUBSCRIBE PUMPKINS
