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Nauvoo, Alabama

I read somewhere that bleach water rubbed on the pumpkin skin will help prevent cracking and bursting. This blew my mind.
WHen? How OFten? What is the solution recipe? Day or Night?
Any information is appreciated.

Cricket

6/15/2007 2:00:52 PM

Northeast

Some people use bleach to remove pathogens such as algae,and fungus etc. This is the only purpose. It has never been proven to increase size or decrease loss of fruits from these pathogens.

6/15/2007 3:41:32 PM

Farmville, Virginia ([email protected])

Don Langevin said in book II of "How to Grow Giant Pumpkins" that the rate to use is 1 part bleach to 10 parts water. Like David said it should only be used to prevent fungus and other disease on the fruit. Nowhere in the book did he say it stops cracks. Maybe others will say different.

6/15/2007 8:35:39 PM

Phoenix, AZ

Bleach is sodium hypochlorite Na O Cl. Nothing in it is good for growing. The chlorine kills bacteria, etc. which is why it is used in municipal water systems.

6/15/2007 11:43:18 PM

Rhode Island

ditto to what dave g had to say. also --- we dont spray anything like bleach ,etc, on the fruit when its young.
from 300 to 400 on we will spray as dave mentioned once a week
pap

6/16/2007 5:13:09 AM

Yuba City, Ca.

I've heard of rubbing or washing the pumpkin with a Calcium water solution daily. Its suppose to help harden the walls and give added nutrition. Hope this helps-

6/17/2007 9:53:41 PM

Windsor, Ontario, Canada

I would try to avoid hardening the skin/walls of the pumpkin. In my opinion, that could cause splitting of skin, etc.

6/17/2007 9:58:43 PM