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Phoenix, AZ

I have been seeing the growth of the fruit happen overnight as compared to the day. Is this a normal pattern for these plants?

Thank you,
Ben

4/3/2007 9:22:25 AM

Menomonie, WI ([email protected])

Yep...thats when fruit growth occurs. Type in Photosynthesis in the search box, and read some of the excellent threads.

4/3/2007 9:35:49 AM

Picton,ON ([email protected])

Thats also when they blow up!...;)

4/3/2007 9:40:39 AM

Waquoit Mass

next time your thinkin that kid bite yourself in the tongue lol

4/3/2007 10:17:31 AM

Somers, CT

The way photosynthesis works is that the plant collects energy all day in the sun. When less busy collecting in the evening the engergy is converted into fruit and plant growth as the cells are fed and reproduce. I love going out to the patch in the morning to see my plant has just grown two feet in every direction.

4/3/2007 10:32:52 AM

maine USA

I learn new things on this website every day! Great info Shannon and Rob. I agree with Dave, Kid bite that tongue! lol KathyT

4/3/2007 11:34:31 AM

Ontario, Canada.

Also research Sinks, you'll find hours of reading that leads to yet even more hours of reading. LOL

Russ

4/3/2007 12:30:56 PM

Manchester,N.H.

I find that my pumpkins grow just as much during the day as they do at night.

4/3/2007 6:36:00 PM

Pocatello ([email protected])

My gut feel based on lots of measurements is 40% during the day and 60% at night.

One thing that has me concerned is that it's not uncommon to have 90 degrees during the day and mid-50's at night in my area. I worry that cool overnight temps slow the growth down too much.

4/3/2007 9:02:53 PM

Menomonie, WI ([email protected])

The only way you could be sure of exact amount of weight growth percentage would be with a time delayed scale that measures in 1 hour readings. Then and only then could you get an approximate weight gain. Our measurement system of using length is very inaccurate. Have 15 people measure your pumpkin once at a weigh off. This will give you a good bases for a guage R&R Study:)

4/3/2007 9:58:47 PM

Jericho Vermont

I feel the majority of weight is put on over the night time hours as well. I have measured in the mornings and evenings for a whole month and found that the overnite growth atleast doubled the daytime growth on most days. I would have to look back at my diary from 05 to give the exact measurements I got. Also for Cliff, our climate is probably quite similar to yours and I have been known to even quilt a pumpkin in late July if the nightime temp is predicited below 60 degrees. Old quilts can make a huge difference on marginally cold nights. The majority of mid August to harvest our pumpkins are covered every night.

4/4/2007 6:28:53 AM

Pocatello ([email protected])

Yes, I do the blankets, actually first a blanket and then a tarp over that. I need to be a little more faithful in getting to them every night. But I also worry about the juice flow in the vines. Is that hindered a lot (or just a little) in cool night temps?

4/4/2007 5:50:45 PM

Jericho Vermont

Not sure of the phloem and temps just know that growth slows markedly at 45 degrees or colder no matter how well I cover the pumpkin. I think the blankets work the best when the temps are 45 or warmer, after that they help to protect but growth is at a minimum.

4/4/2007 8:17:16 PM

Vermont

Try an electric blanket it keeps pumpkin nice and toasty.

4/5/2007 1:35:21 PM