Re: Important Question

Chriss,

First, the "christmas tree" effect is the normal growth pattern for these plants. The main vine will start growing sooner than the side vines(secondaries). As the main gets longer it will produce more secondaries. Older secondaries will be longer than younger ones resulting in the "christmass tree" look to the overall shape of the plant.

Second
These are very aggressive plants and need a large root system to support the growth of all the leaves and the pumpkin. You may have noticed the white tap roots which form on the bottom of the vine at the leaf nodes. Many growers will cover the vines at the leaf nodes with soil. Some actually cover the entire vine but I prefer to cover only the nodes. When you cover the vine with soil it will promote better growth of these tap roots. This will help to anchor your plant in place so it doesn't get blown around by the wind but also it will cause more roots to grow from the top of the vine (at the leaf nodes). These additional root will turn and grow down into the soil providing additional holding power but more importantly the additional roots mean more or better uptake of water and nutrients. Remember we need to feed that pumpkin if you want it to grow big. Thats the why part. I start covering my leaf nodes once the mane vine is about 2 feet long. Keep the first part very dry. The secondaries get their nodes covered once they are in contact with the soil. Yes, its not to late to go back and cover your nodes now.

Third
Oh there wasn't a third part but there will be. Remove any vine which grows from a secondary. The sooner the better (when they are tiny). When the secondary vines reach the desired length you should terminate them. Secondary vine termination is the process of pinching off the growth at the tip of the secondary and then bury it after a day or two so it does not grow any longer. The length is a personal preference. I do mine when they are 12 to 15 feet long.

hope this helps
Bart
At 02:01 AM 6/24/2006, you wrote:
I'm a newbie and I don't understand this burying the vine thing.  Can
someone explain.  When and why do you bury the secondary vines?  My
main vine is over 10 feet so far and growing by the foot every day.   I have
what I've read is the "christmas tree" effect on my secondary vines.  I need
advise.  I don't understand what it is I need to do.
Thanks for your help.
~Chriss
Delaware, Ohio

---------------------------------------------------------------------
Pumpkin-growing archives: http://www.hort.net/lists/pumpkins/
To sign-off this list, send email to majordomo@hort.net with the
message text UNSUBSCRIBE PUMPKINS

---------------------------------------------------------------------
Pumpkin-growing archives: http://www.hort.net/lists/pumpkins/
To sign-off this list, send email to majordomo@hort.net with the
message text UNSUBSCRIBE PUMPKINS
Other Mailing lists | Author Index | Date Index | Subject Index | Thread Index