From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Central Pennsylvania [email protected]

When should I start a seed to have a pumpkin ready by August 5 for a county fair? I live right in the middle of PA in zones 5-6. Is it even possible to have a big one ready this early?

3/15/2007 7:16:28 PM

Ontario, Canada.

Lauralie, It is possible to approach the 600 pound mark by then under normal grwoing conditions with a germination date of April 25th and in the ground date of first week in May. Give it plenty of protection, TLC and you could be pollinating by the second or third week of June. My earlist pollination way up here in Barrie ON. Zone 4A was June 23rd. I had a clone a few years ago in a warm spring that was pollinated on June 25th. That would give you 40 days or so of fruit growth.

There are lots of growers who start seeds earlier than April 25th. I would try to get a plant going bt the end of March if possible. A heated hoop house could protect it and give you a jump on the season for an early pollination attempt. Growing in a larger greenhouse will provide warmer temperatures in late May and early June and also allow for a bit of extra vine length. Pollinate the first female and away you go to around 50 days or so of growth.

3/15/2007 7:42:31 PM

lauralie you can get a good sized pumpkin by then if weather cooperates . you might want fairly good sized hoop .its alot more work than fall plants you need heaters etc.last 2 years i started this week in patch planted but long late winter 07 has me adjusting later start .there were 3 pumpkins in iowa over 1000 pounds not to many knew about went down early august . i had 1 blossom end split july 2-3 was est 600 pounds.

3/16/2007 12:01:56 PM