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Warwood

It's nearly, for my plants, culling time. My Beachy 1097 was stunted from the start but has the genes you know. I have a 1458 Whittier and a 183 Chambers (844 Wykcoff x 898 Knauss and 783 Daletas). I'm posting a pic in my "Perriman" diary. Need help with this decision soon. I can only have two back to back. Don

5/18/2005 9:15:51 AM

Ohio

Don, I know its tuff,I was just talked out of culling my 1097 Beachy because of the stunted growth,Im gonna let it go a few more weeks,Its a great seed that produces alot of big ones,It could turn out like the 705 stelts that Tom posted a pic of in photo gallery.

Brooks

5/18/2005 9:45:55 AM

Puyallup, WA

My 1097 has yet to "show me something"! I'm going to talk to it today telling her that she better "straighten up" and start growing or it's "in the compost pile for you"!

5/18/2005 10:57:17 AM

Menomonie, WI ([email protected])

I believe the 845,846 and 723 crosses are known for coming on slow. Then finishing the race at a constant pace.

5/18/2005 11:08:32 AM

Saegertown Pa.

Three years ago I had a 805 that looked stunted one of the slowest growing plants I have ever had I wanted to cull it but I didn't. It grew my 1107.5 that year, the 935 Loyd genes seem to do that a lot.

5/18/2005 12:09:09 PM

Somers, CT

I just was told another story of an ugly and slow growing 805 plant that grew a state record.

5/18/2005 1:01:28 PM

Puyallup, WA

My 805 is looking better than the 1097 at this point. I had a "long talk" with my 1097 this morning as I was weeding inside the hoophouse.

5/18/2005 1:54:31 PM

Circleville Ohio USA

Before giving up on the 1097 remember the pollen is special as well.

5/18/2005 4:49:05 PM

Commack, NY

Yes, but if there is a genetic deformity, and undesirable traits, they will then be passed on. Ride it out for now and see what happens, but if its all messed up, then it is what it is. I yanked a 723 bobier in favor of an unproven seed one year because it was basically junk. Its not easy to cull a proven performer, i'll be the first one to tell you that, but sometimes you do what you have to do.

5/18/2005 5:10:59 PM

Puyallup, WA

I gave the 723 a chance in my patch several years ago.....
what a disappointment! I am well aware that some plants start out slowly and then come on strong in July and August.
Just look at my 1268 last year. It started so slowly that I named it "Pokey". If the 1097 produces a 1200 pounder
....I won't complain too loudly! ;>)

5/18/2005 5:31:05 PM

[email protected]

I hear said that many record setters started slow. I think we can't judge a plants finish by it's first 30 days if history speaks the truth. And it does.

5/18/2005 8:50:14 PM

Paradise Mountain, New York

My 1097.5 looked like the one of my worse plants this year. But today I took a look at her and WoW.... It's like she grew twice the size over one days time. So I'll keep her.Myself, with all these cold night's, I'd wait a week to cull something...

5/18/2005 10:04:27 PM

San Diego, Ca.

Maybe these slow starters that grew large pumpkins were only growing slow on the surface while the root system was forming a giant web underneath.......something to ponder.

5/18/2005 11:46:55 PM

Hudsonville, Michigan ([email protected])

Normally, I'd say "survival of fittest' and yank whichever one's weakest. I've done that many years. But there are a few top seeds out there that I think you put in with the intention of following through no matter what (unless it ribbons on you or is clearly diseased beyond hope). 1097 is one of those seeds. Keep it.
Or if you cull it, at least see if someone in your area would want it. I bet you would have some takers...

5/19/2005 7:23:56 AM

Follansbee, Wv

My 1097 isn't really growing slow, but it is growing strangly. The first and second true leaves are the same size, about 5-6" across, the third is about 4" and the fourth is opening, while the fifth is already forming. Right now it looks like the plant is going for quantity of leaves rather than quality/size. My 905 is growing quite differently, with 10-12" first true, and the second slightly larger and growing fast. The third true is just opening. I just chalk it up to all plants grow differently. The weather here still gets cool at night, and even chilly during the day sometimes. This is only my first year of growing AG's, but I would be hesitant to judge any plant this time of year until it shows real signs of trouble.
I also agree with Gourdzilla. Extensive root growth can slow foilage growth, which in the long run isn't a bad thing.

5/19/2005 7:33:10 AM

Warwood

Thank You all for the replies. I think I'll wait her out since I have more seeds where my 183 came from. Only one 1097.

5/19/2005 5:38:21 PM

Cameron,ontario Team Lunatic

Good idea. Last year my 1097 was the weakest plant to start and ended up producing my heaviest pumpkin. Don't give up on it just because it's getting dirt kicked in it's face now from the other plants. Watch out later on when it starts to beef up.

Phil

5/19/2005 7:04:34 PM

Puyallup, WA

Ok...I'll agree to keep mine in the ground. But if it only produces a 500 pounder and the puniest in the patch of 16 plants, I'm going to hold each one of you personally responsible. ;>) Then again...if it produces a 1200 pounder....it was all my growing prowess! ;>)

5/19/2005 7:56:46 PM

[email protected]

LOL Stan!

5/19/2005 9:38:38 PM