SE Minn. July Update

To this point in the pumpkin growing season, this has been my best and I
am excited. More large pumpkins at this time then any time in the past. I
attribute that to the knowledge I have gained over the years, good seed
stock, and decent weather. 

The chart used to estimate the weight of the pumpkins is Len Stellpglug's
2/97 version. The chart by Bob Marcellus in Don Langevin's new book has
higher estimates for the same over the top (OTT) measurements. I am taking
the conservative approach, so I am using Len's chart.

Here they are:

1) 858 Baird - OTT = 253.5 ( 108.5 72 73 ) = 331 pounds -- Continues to
               grow well even with highs in the mid 70s and lows in the 
               mid 50s. The other pumpkins in the patch are slowed much
               more by the cool temperatures.
2) 696 Klema - OTT = 214.5 ( 95 59 60.5 ) = 211 pounds -- starting to
               develop deep ribs. That bothers me as I have had rib splits
               in similar situations in the past.
3) 520 Heyne - OTT = 209.5 ( 87.5 60.5 61.5 ) = 199 pounds -- There are
               two other pumpkins on this plant on what I call secondary 
               main vines. The weight of these pumpkins is: 133 and 83
               pounds. Probably should remove at least one of them, but as
               you know, that is hard to do.
4) 500 Noffke - OTT = 190 ( 76 58 56 ) = 152 pounds -- not nearly as
              vigorous as the pumpkins above.

My second 858 Baird plant finally allowed some pumpkins to set. The first
one was pollinated on 7/12/98 and is really taking off. The estimated
weight is 119 pounds, but that is 26 pounds more than the 331 pounder at
the same time. Am looking for big things from this pumpkin. The 858 Baird
pumpkins seem to be the most vigorous of the plants in the patch.

My best to you all in growing that BIG one.

George Heyne
Rochester, Mn.
     

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