-----Original Message-----
From:
vince <a*@yahoo.com>
To:
pumpkins@mallorn.com <pumpkins@mallorn.com>
Date:
13 October 2001 20:18
Subject: Postscript, Growing Pumpkins on
the Blossom End
This post is a follow-up to earlier
posts about my experiment with growing pumpkins on the blossom end.
The object is to get a better shape from a large pumpkin.
My first post detailed the procedure I used to grow them:
http://www.hort.net/lists//pumpkins/sep01/msg00192.html
A second post gave the status as of Sept.:
http://www.hort.net/lists//pumpkins/sep01/msg00580.html
By growing on the blossom end I ended up with some very nicely shaped
pumpkins. About half my crop of eight tended to be a flattened
round shape. (see photo below) The other half had outstanding heavily ribbed
barrel and apple shapes. The weights ranged from 200 to 400+
pounds. However, I made a major mistake in leaving them sitting on
their blossom ends too long and lost two of the nicest ones to blossom end
rot.
Ina and the twins pose with Iggy, 300 pounds of orange
fun.
The shape is that of a flattened sphere with light
ribbing.
Conclusion: Growing an AG on the blossom end can
result is some eye pleasing symmetrical shapes. Special care must be
taken to guard against blossom end rot. The blossom stub is very
delicate and subject to rot if it is not kept dry. Next year I will grow the
pumpkins on a short platform with a cut-out for the blossom stub which will
allow air to circulate around the blossom end and hopefully keep it dry and
healthy.
vince
best 831, 2001
zone 9, the pumpkin zone
