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Follansbee, Wv

Well, the only chance I had to set a fruit on the 1097.5's main vine went down in flames this morning. There was major deformity of the lobes and seeds showing. The pics are in my diary (or will be when they are approved). I must warn those with weak stomachs, it's not pretty. I assume this was caused by the main being lost so close to the developing fruit. Any other opinions are welcome.

6/24/2005 7:54:50 AM

Massillon, Ohio

my 1097 gave me deformed lobes until august last year. when i finally did get a normal fruit, it blew up at 300 lbs.

i doubt it is because of your main being lost...it just has weird tedencies.

and yes i'm trying it again this year (am i crazy or what).

6/24/2005 8:19:32 AM

Brillion Wisconsin

I know your pain MontyJ. I had exactly the same thing last year.

Try to get one set on a secondary and don't worry about the 1st week of July. In my opinion you have a window for pollination until the 3rd week of July and still have enough time to pack on the pounds before the weigh off.

Remember to stay positve. Dean o

6/24/2005 9:44:45 AM

Key West, FL

my 1097 just had a deformed female open at like 5 ft.

6/24/2005 10:16:46 AM

Www.extremepumpkinstore.com

Sorry to hear Monty.

6/24/2005 10:22:18 AM

Utah

Last year I had this deformed flower:

http://www.bigpumpkins.com/displayphoto.asp?pid=3668&gid=-3085

It was pollinated. It took and grew to maturity. 671 lbs.

6/24/2005 10:32:04 AM

Ontario, Canada.

Yeah, I agree with Gordon, Monty I had the same thing last year with my 695 and it grew just fine. This it not the case with all flowers that have hanging seeds but if it is all you have what other choice is there.

Russ

6/24/2005 12:36:00 PM

Follansbee, Wv

Thanks everybody. I haven't given up on it yet. I did the controlled pollination as planned and tied the flower shut just as if everything were normal. I won't cull this fruit. It will have to abort to leave the vine. On a happier note, the 905 is putting on females between 8 and 14 feet and all look very good so far. The 1367.5 is doing as well, but fewer females. Those two plants are very healthy.
Seems I'm getting a lot of experience this first year. I can see how this would be frustrating to a new grower, or any grower for that matter, but since I'm already a serious gardener, I find it easier to take it in stride. I still have some very nice secondaries on the 1097 and most have at least one female on them, just in case ;)

6/24/2005 2:27:12 PM

Topsfield, Ma.

Disheartening to hear all the 1097 deformities out there!
Especially since it's one of the two plants in the patch!
I hope to "weigh-in" with good news in a week or two.
Duff

6/25/2005 7:04:54 PM