RE: long gourd seeds
I always appreciate a personal email from you Ray and I'll try to
beat the record this year if I can and mother nature helps.
If I do well I can send YOU some seeds. (for free)
Thanks for all of your help so far and I hope you keep on
truckin'! Me and many others appreciate you very very much!
Let's see how the bobier seeds do this year/// I have a few in the ground
with special treatment.
Michel
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-pumpkins@hort.net [o*@hort.net]On Behalf
Of LGOURD@aol.com
Sent: Thursday, April 10, 2003 2:08 AM
To: pumpkins@hort.net
Subject: Re: long gourd seeds
In a message dated 4/9/2003 3:05:13 PM Eastern Standard Time,
michel@bunchgrapes.com writes:
> What do you think the potential is for the normal long gourd seeds you
ship?
> lengthwise
> Can we grow lots on a plant and also eat them?
> The Germans don't care about length so much as eating potential...ha ha!
> Michel
>
Michel,
Each seed has the potential to break the world record - but always select
for
the first sign of a plant that puts out very slender and almost thin female
immature fruit while still in the blossom stage. Remember this variety
("Collins Long" gourd) has not had the intense breeding and selection
process
that Atlantic Giant has had - so we still need to select plant strains that
exhibit the thin/delicate characteristic that we need to get the job done.
We are taking a variety and just now putting it to the test of many growers
who are keen for competition and intent on breaking a record. My brother's
record of 110 5/8 inches may seem awesome but it had not had serious
challenge for 8 years now. Can you imagine the pumpkin record holding out
that long? If enough growers get hold of this thing that mark will fall in
a
short time. By the way, just talked to Pete today in Collins and he is big
enough to see his record bettered!
Starting the Collins Long gourd seed:
This gourd seed may be fast to germinate and surface - but could be delayed
if not enough moisture and heat are present. It does have a hard shell and
can be this way but in most cases will come right up for you. I feel heat
is
very important. This plant can take a lot of heat as well. Use a similar
method as pumpkin. Plants can be kept in the pot longer and probably should
be. It may take twice as long as pumpkin to become the desired seedling for
transplanting. There is no need to plant as early outside as pumpkin.
Timing should be planned for maximum growth of the fruit during August -
perhaps August 5th as a fruit set date. Fruit will grow 6-7 inches a day
and
your watering program will do the most to promote good steady growth.
Plant on black plastic, particularly in the North. This plant need heat!
Allow one vine to progress up a tall secure trellis. Do the same as
pumpkin,
pruning side vines when very immature - like a Christmas tree but allowing
the main to run until fruit is well set. Control the plant extensively.
Remember - one root system and one main.
Begin a regular watering schedule as soon as possible so the plant is
accustomed to it. Don't plant to set fruit until August.
Females and males are night flowering so you will need to hand pollinate
some. Be careful you don't fall off the ladder. In fact purchase a good
8-10 ft step ladder now! A lot of your work will be off the ground.
More later.....
Ray Waterman
<A HREF="http://www.pandpseed.com/";>P & P Seed Co. ~ Giant Pumpkins and
Seeds</A>
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