Re: Weigh-off Choice?
If you harvest on Oct 2 your pumpkin will be 58 days old. My
bigger pumpkins have continued to grow up to about 80 days but
usually slow down dramatically after 60 days.
I did a quick check and figure you could expect an extra 120 to
150 pounds if you could let it mature for another 3 weeks. If
you only have another two weeks to let it mature, figure at
most around a 100 pounds.
I've also seen pumpkins that start off fast - slow down early.
If on day 58, it is still adding an inch or two a day, I would
hang on and let it fill out. If it averages less than an inch
a day for the prior 3 days, then you need to consider cutting
and run. If it has all but stopped, well then - the pumpkin
decided for you.
You gotta talk to your pumpkin.... tell it not to stop - or
you'll cut her off!
vince
--- Stephen Smith <unclecb@ureach.com> wrote:
> Hi,
>
> Would appreciate comments on choosing a weigh-off for my one
> and
> only pumpkin for the year. Due to problems with my soil, I
was
> unable to get a plant started in my patch until June 21 (when
> the plant first appeared). I had planted seeds three times
> previously and finally got one plant to appear on the fourth
> try. My one and only pumpkin was not pollinated until August
5
> and is growing exceedingly well for my area of the
> country(TN)--120" at day 32. I believe that my pumpkin will
> still be putting on some considerable pounds even after the
> scheduled weighoff that I attended last year (Allardt-Oct.3)
>
> My question is should I pull my pumpkin before its peak and
> attend Allardt, or wait another couple of weeks and attend a
> weigh-off say in New Hampshire after the pumpkin has had time
> to more fully mature? The complicating factor is that it is
> possible that given my pumpkins current growth rate and good
> vine condition, it might be near a state record at a date
> later than Oct 3.
>
> Thanks.
>
> Steve Smith
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