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Ca

I notice from the diaries that many growers plant a number of seeds and only keep the most vigorous seedlings. Does this commonsense technique select for the biggest pumpkins? Or does it just favor those that do well in the first few weeks after germination, and discriminate against "late bloomers"? I have no opinions on this, just interested in what people think.
Richard Trout
Albany, CA

6/24/2005 1:02:36 AM

mcminnville oregon

We are groing a total of 14 plants??? During the off season one dreams of the crosses to be made etc. The reality is ??? all my plants were started/planted within 3 days? certain ones have unexpectedly kicked butt, While others like the prefered sight 1006greer, seem to be a dud! It would seem to me to use the strongest plants for pollination rather than! using a name! there are instances though when one must self, sibb,or make some crazy cross etc 1180Daletas tops Dbh

6/24/2005 2:49:22 AM

Indiana

I tend not to grow backups. The weak plants always come back for me. I think selecting to the strongest plant is a big mistake.

Tom

6/24/2005 2:53:39 AM

mcminnville oregon

HMmmmmm stick w/the crosses ehhh? even though they are obviously less vigorous??? cuold be the sight??? hmmmmmmm.. dbh

6/24/2005 2:58:56 AM

Omaha, NE (N41-15-42 )

I had recently thought of posting the same question. I would like to hear what the "old-timers" have to say from years of observing.

6/24/2005 9:33:52 AM

Puyallup, WA

I believe that Tom is correct! Last year, the 763 started out very slow....then came on like "gangbusters"! This year, Tom's 1097 started out "puny", but is becoming an "awesome" plant! I firmly believe that it is impossible to determine what a plant will produce in pumpkin size based on it's early growth characteristics.

6/24/2005 12:56:00 PM

Ontario, Canada.

For the same reason as Stan and Tom described, I let the much smaller 1016 Daletas grow this year even though its backup plant was twice the size. It was a very hard cull to say the least. Knowing the history of the 1016's large progeny made it an easier choice. I believe all things being equal I would have gone with the larger plant.

The main advantage here is in growing proven plants and reviewing the progeny of other seeds from the same pumpkin. It can help you decide which plant to keep but it is certainly not the only determining factor.

6/24/2005 1:16:27 PM

Saegertown Pa.

I always plant backup plants and only use them if my first choice mutates on me, no matter what size the first choice plant is. my biggest pumpkins are usually on the smaller to medium size plants, I have more problems with disease on the plants that are more vigorous.

6/24/2005 1:21:39 PM

Rhode Island

A WISE MAN ONCE SAID
" ARE YOU GROWING SALAD OR PUMPKINS "
" YES , TO GROW A TRUELY GIANT FRUIT YOU DO USUALLY NEED TO HAVE AMPLE SIDES BEFORE THE FRUIT ( I LIKE SEVEN ON EACH SIDE IF IM NOT CUTTING ANY OUT AND DEAD END AT 12 FT ), HOWEVER SOME PLANTS CRAWL EARLY ON AND THEN JUST TAKE HOLD AND RUN ( SOMETIMES THIS CAN BE A FAULT OF YOUR SOIL IN THAT AREA OF THE GARDEN RATHER THAN BEING THE PLANTS FAULT )

DICK W

6/24/2005 4:47:43 PM

C N Y

yay, Tom B! this policy could result in seeds like the 845 and 810 being around a bit longer.
i always plant what i sprout, and only this year have i had to sprout a couple backups because i did not like the looks of the original main ones. the backups are in their own spots, and the originals are doing as well as any.
unrelated: i sprouted the 1076.5 Werner, came up with only one cot. NO WAY was i gonna waste that seed! planted it, and now it is as good as or better than most of the others---cool! EG

6/24/2005 7:38:12 PM

Mill Bay, British Columbia

Thankfully this year I grew a backup plant in the middle of my patch between my top 2 choices. I was about to cull the backup when my main plant started experiencing problems. I was able to pull the original main plant and now will still be able to grow 2 plants instead of just 1. Stange to read Quinn and Dick's opinion as that is exactly what is happening in my patch. The slow beginning 803 Sandercock is now exploding in size and will enjoy the extra room it has inherited.

6/24/2005 8:15:49 PM