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Denver, CO

I am a 3rd year grower,in Denver Colorado, with 287 as my best. Seems to me that I cannot get fruit set until about end of July would like it to be 2 weeks ealier.

So, if you had a choice which of the following would you do, keeping in mind that growing the biggest pumpkin is the only goal, no matter when it gets done.

1. Start the seeds earlier, and have the pumpkin growing at its peak when tempatures here are higher averages and plant is most active
-- OR ---

2. State the seeds later, and have the pumpking finishing closer to weigh off time, with less time of peak growing being during the higher tempature periods.

In other words, I understand that finishing to early causes losses in wieght, but I think wating to late and not getting a full growth because of temps is no better either

Any input would be great!!

4/18/2005 7:27:01 PM

Ontario

i would pick #1 . start them earlier and maybe you can get one pollinated around july 1st.

4/18/2005 9:43:08 PM

I would pick #1 as well. However, I'm not familiar with Colorado's climate. Maybe you could contact some growers from your region for more detailed advice.

4/18/2005 10:21:09 PM

Cheyenne, Wyoming

I'm trying option #1 this year. I have had the exact problem that you have - frozen out, cold temps, short days starting in mid August.

This year, I started my seeds almost a month earlier than last year. I started them on Easter morning.

My goal is to have a pumpkin growing on a decent sized plant, during our short time period of warm temps from late June to late July.

The draw-back of this idea is, I have to run heaters inside the hot-houses every night for about six weeks. If I have heater problems one night, the plants will be frozen solid by morning.

Good luck.

John

4/18/2005 10:53:02 PM

Colo.Spgs.CO. Pikes Peak Chapter @ [email protected]

It is all about getting your soil correct, and creating a micro-climate to deal with the horrific conditions here in colo...I am 1000 ft. elev. higher than you and have been growing 10+ yrs. It continues to be a challenge every season no matter whatI have learned from past seasons..If you want a decent size fruit here in colo. you will surely have to work very hard at it,as you will most definately learn from your mistakes.....The best time to get them out in cold frames growing it by the 7th of may, but beware and protect them well......Also, you have a great advantage over us at higher altitude with your warmer nights and the Denver smog holding in the heat at night which make a big difference when it comes time for big fruit growth......good luck...

4/19/2005 3:44:42 AM

Appalachian Mtns.

Start a bit earlier

4/19/2005 5:12:31 AM

Denver, CO

Great responses guys! I think the geneal consensus is that a littel earlier is the better route given the conditions here in colorado. I will take 400 Sq's advice and get them out, well procteted by the 7th. I am also very intrested to see how beet does in wyoming with the VERY early start.

4/19/2005 5:21:51 PM

Taber, Alberta

I'm doing the same thing, I started my home patch seed and backup on Sunday. Late August can see some really cool nights here and September is basically a waste of time. I can control the climate early with a starting plant a lot better. We'll see if it works to get me to my goal this year.
Alan

4/19/2005 7:58:49 PM