Re: pumpkins on secondary vines

Brian,
I agree,  generally speaking,  theoretically
the main vine is the best selection for setting
a pumpkin.........however many large World
Class pumpkins have been set on secondary
vines.
I use the charting method that Barb described
and it works well. 
My fastest growing pumpkins this year have
been on my secondary vines............last year
the main vine pumpkins were the ones with
the most vigor.
I always go with the best growth rate (shape,
stem, etc.) regardless of what vine that its
on.
Works for me.

George Webster
Napa, Ca



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

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