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Minnesota([email protected])

I see that heavy seed genetics(those seeds that tend produce pumpkins that weigh more than the OTT est.) seem to be the rage with growers. I would like to know the reasons why? Are we just assuming this is better, or do we have concrete reasons to seek heavy genetics?
I don't know if less chance of splitting can be a valid arguement. I've heard the 1260 Weir described as a splitter.
Haven't some the largest pumpkins each year weighed close to the chart?
Are we just growing heavy genetics because they can give us a pleasant surprise at weighoff time?
I'd like to hear your thoughts.

Doug

1/3/2005 2:14:47 PM

Menomonie, WI ([email protected])

As I have been told a million times Doug we aint in no beauty contest here. Heaviest pumpkin wins the prize money, plain and simple.

1/3/2005 2:31:38 PM

Western NY

- i like the pleasant suprise at the weighoff

- makes for a better carving/sculpture

- suprises the competition

i don't think that the heavier ones are any less likely to split from my own observations, although i don't have any larger scale data to prove anything. if anything, the thicker ones might give you a slight advantage in time to total destruction if a rot begins to develop.

1/3/2005 3:27:14 PM

Minnesota([email protected])

Shannon,
The heaviest pumpkin could come from a pumpkin that weighs light to the charts. It will look more massive as well, due to a greater OTT measurement.

1/3/2005 4:20:37 PM

Menomonie, WI ([email protected])

If you have 6 plants and your 4 biggest tape out around the same size. Which one are you going to put on the trailer when you can only bring one?

1/3/2005 4:23:38 PM

Cologne / Germany

I think more growers look for orange, round AND heavy right now and that´s the way it should be. I can´t see any reason not to look for a beauty LOL there should be a development to increase all that at the same time like many 2004 crosses 1000+ already did.

1/3/2005 4:26:46 PM

Greencastle, PA

honestly, i don't think a 1500lb fruit could be supported by a thin walled fruit. common sense tells me that a thicker, denser fruit would be more structurally sound. it's also really nice when a fruit goes heavier than you thought it would. just my 2.36 cents.
tOM

1/3/2005 5:20:55 PM

Indiana

thats easy shannon, weigh them all first...LOL

Tom

1/3/2005 6:40:32 PM

[email protected]

Good call Tom.

Heavy to the chart does instill confidence in wall thickness & strength. But other than that the whole thing is highly over rated. One slip of the tape & no one wants to grow the seeds for fear the things might throw light fruit. LOL

1/3/2005 6:54:31 PM

Mn

I just like big mean pumpkins that go OTC. I also like the pretty ones too. And i really really like the pretty ones that go way heavy (ex. 1370 rose). I also believe that the thicker the walls the more structurally sound the pumpkin is.

1/3/2005 10:38:39 PM

Ohio

just let Jack Larue grow it, it wont split.

1/4/2005 8:13:58 AM

Riverton, WY

Or how about this .... a 1500 lb pumpkin that is 30% heavy might fit in the back of your pickup, but a 1500 lb pumpkin that's 30% light might not?? lol

1/6/2005 8:23:23 AM