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washington, maine

Looking for advice when removing unwanted pumpkins. Where should the stem be cut? Close to the pumpkin or the vine? and any treatment after removal. Should only 1 be cut in any single day or on a schedule over time?. All are on the main vine. Anyone have thoughts about using a hot knife to help seal the cut and stop the bleeding? I know this works on humans.

8/9/2000 8:03:02 PM

PA

I'm sort of new at this but this is my opinion. If the one you are going to keep is growing fast cull unwanteds slowly over days,if its growing slow get rid of them sooner. I'd also like to know where to make the cut. I'd skip the bovie and use a sharp knife and apply a fungicide dust,all bleeding stops eventually.
Amy

8/9/2000 8:16:53 PM

Connecticut, USA

I cut mine close to the vine. Always best to appy fungicide after cutting. I sometimes cut several per day when they are very small. Watch the weather forecast too. If a heavy rain is coming you may want to wait before cutting a lot off (the remaining ones may split). I like to remove all but one from the main vine. If good fruit are growing on other vines then I leave up to three per plant. Some growers go down to one pumpkin per plant. Too risky for me since I only have two plants.

8/11/2000 8:52:37 PM

Kennett Square, PA

I got worried when I read, "it works on humans". For any 'flora' surgery, melted wax can be used to seal the "wound" much like they do for tree brances, this will also discourage insects entering the site of removal.

Gary

8/13/2000 4:19:46 PM