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Deland IL

I decided to grow giant pumpkins for my kids for Halloween, and have now realized I really like this! Here is my problem though. I now have this huge plant taking over my garden and back yard, which I don't mind, but I only have ONE pumpkin. It's a great one but I have 3 kids!! Any way of getting this plant to produce another pumpkin before Halloween? I only got one plant to grow. I also need to know how you can tell when there are ready to pick? If I pick this pumpkin will that give me a better chance of getting another one to grow? I really am new to this and have no idea what I am doing. Help!

9/1/2000 10:45:09 PM

Storrs, Ct. 06268

You should get other female blossoms along the vine that will produce more but if you really want it BIG leave only one on the vine. Leave it on the vine as long as possible but protect it from to much sun and also frost, some nights are getting chilly. Our biggest broke down so we were sure to take pictures we will have a couple smaler ones for Halloween I hope. Good Luck

9/2/2000 12:04:20 AM

Buffalo, Minnesota

all i have to say is, if you decide to pick it before holloween make shure it is ripe, because i found out that if you pic an unripe ag it will only last about a week and before you know it, it quickly start to shrink and then be a pile of mush, hmm do you think i have any experience about this from what i just said,lol ~Bill

9/2/2000 2:10:25 AM

PA

something to think about for next year if it doesn't happed this year. I have one plant that produced 3 pumpkins this year, 2 over 500 lbs and 1 over 600 lbs. It can be done. Just make sure that each is on its own vine,main vines are better. Also since picking these 3 I have found several over 50 lbs. These plants will produce like crazy if you're not watching. The plant is a Dill 875 but the blossoms were not isolated meaning the pollination is not known but if you would like any of my seeds when they're ready email me.I'd be happy to send you some for next year. warning-Giant pumpkin growing can be addictive! Its alot of fun and I've said this a billion times but this web site and all my new friends have helped me go from a best of 196lbs to all the ones above and then some. Also the 2 books by Don Langevin are a must.

9/2/2000 11:28:11 AM

PA

Also about being ripe. They usually turn pretty orange and some will develope a netting on the skin like cantalopes. Kepp checking the skin and stem for cracks and disease. These can be healed with captan fungicide. Take a little bit with a tiny amount of water and mix it to a paste and apply to any funny looking areas with a small paint brush or cotten ball. Just keep the kids from touching the fungicide and wash it off when you harvest it.

9/2/2000 11:34:27 AM