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San Diego, Ca.

I have 2 pumpkins set on the main with a third pumpkin ready to be pollinated in a couple days.
The first pumpkin is 12' out on the main, about 50lbs.(2 weeks old) but not in the best position because the main is not curved at its location and there is not alot I can do at this point to curve it. The second pumpkin on the main is at 19' with much better positioning on a curve with a whole lot more plant behind it and is on day 5.
The first pumpkin is starting to slow the plant growth down just slightly beyond the fruit.
Is it getting too late to cull it and go with one of these two latter pumpkins which are 6-10 feet further out on the main?
My fear is that if this first pumpkin grows big shoulders it will probably pop itself off the vine.
I also like the idea of more plant behind the pumpkin as the latter two would have.
What should I do?

7/2/2005 12:54:46 PM

Long Island,New York

If you don't think its in a good place and have no curve now, whats it gonna be like at 600lbs? I say chop and move on.

7/2/2005 4:12:43 PM

Chico, Ca

I say leave it until you are sure your second set is not going to abort say a few weeks.. it is still early. I would not really be actively culling until mid july. it may not be in the best spot but if later pollinated fruit starts to abort for whatever reason you at least have one on.... it has happened to others before.

7/2/2005 4:26:46 PM

Simi valley, ca

I say go with advice C&R kolb gave, wait till it looks like one at 19 is staying ,then "just do it " !!!-----------

7/2/2005 6:16:20 PM

Rhode Island

gourd

if you got a pumpkin weighing 50 lbs after 14 days from pollination i would consider that a real good prospect

if that first fruit is at a 90 degree angle from the main then you dont need to worry so much about any curves

besides ,if you cut an additional tap or two on the main you can gently pull the pumpkin back away from the vine a little bit each day

you would be surprised what you can do if you get the stress off the tap roots

keep your best pumpkin, if that first one is pumping out the growth then ya gotta go with it

dick

7/2/2005 11:08:27 PM

mcminnville oregon

figure out the closest fair date! dont waste it in the compoost pile!

7/3/2005 3:08:10 AM

San Diego, Ca.

Thanks for the replies guys. I forgot to mention I have a picture in my diary of the pumpkin and its vine clearance.
The gap you see between the pumpkin and the vine is just under 3".
Pap, I think I made my pumpkin sound like it was growing a bit faster than it actually is. It hit 50lbs. at day 17. None the less, still a good prospect worth keeping if I can.

7/3/2005 10:46:37 AM