SE Mn Pumpkin Update
During the last week of June and the first week of July, the Rochester
area is having very warm temperatures -- upper 80s and lower 90s. My
first pumpkins will be pollinated on the 3rd or 4th of July and I should
have at least one pumpkin pollinated on each plant within a week. The
warm temperatures will make it a touch and go situation.
Presently, I am helping Dave Bhaskaran in his patch and he started
pollination on the 17th of June (before the warm spell). His 14 day old
pumpkin already has a circumference of 49 inches.
My seven pumpkins and their status is as follows:
1) 662.5 Heyne 01 -- Main vine is over 12 feet. The female parent is the
1026 Holland.
2) 1016 Daletas 01 -- Main vine is over 12 feet. Has a 23 inch leaf.
3) 1026 Holland 00 -- Main vine is over 13 feet. Shows more wilt due to
the heat than other plants.
4) 1061 Whittier 01 -- Main vine is around 12 feet.
5) 1049 Holland 01 -- Main vine is over 12 feet. Might be able to
pollinate on July 3rd.
6) 656 Bhaskaran 00 -- Main vine close to 15 feet. Should have a baby to
pollinate on July 3rd. Has a leaf of 25 inches.
7) 650 Heyne 00 -- Main vine over 15 feet. Has a number of leaves around
23 inches.
As you can see, most of the plants are about the same size. The 656
Bhaskaran and the 650 Heyne are the largest plants with the 650 Heyne
slightly in the lead. Last year, the 650 Heyne grew a pumpkin which
split towards the end of August. At the time of the split, the estimated
weight was over 600 pounds and the projected weight was around 800
pounds. Now, if only the 650 Heyne will grow an 800 pound pumpkin this
year without splitting. None of the plants have shown flat vines, tip
blow ups, animal damage, bug damage, or any major problem. Hope it stays
that way.
Let the pollination begin!
George Heyne
Rochester, Mn
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