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Pa

My primary vine is about 10 feet long with 3 female flowers growing 5, 6, and 7 feet from the main root. These are the females that I want to pollinate. The primary vine is covered with dirt about 5 feet from the main root. MY problem is that the primary vine is growing roots that are very close to the female flowers (within 5 to 6 inches) that I want to pollinate. What should I do? I am afraid that the roots, growing close to the females, won't let the pumkin stand upright once it starts growing. What should I do about this? I am new to all this. Thanks

7/1/2007 7:37:58 PM

South Bloomfield, Ohio

Don't bury your primary vine and don't pollinate less than 10 feet out.....maybe more. When you do set a fruit on the primary, cut all tap roots on the primary vine to allow it to rise with fruit growth and relieve tension on the vine.

If you must bury vines, bury only secondary vines but, remember, no stress on the main as a result. You have plenty of time to pollinate. The "magic time" is July 1 thru July 10. Be patient!

7/1/2007 9:33:20 PM

Grant, MI

First off your females are too close to the main root to want to set one yet. If you are going to pollinate anything set the female that's at 7' and cull the rest. If you want more than one pumkin don't worry, you'll get more females yet. If you do set the female at 5' you run a good chance of pulling the main root system right out of the ground. Second, when you pollinate a female go ahead and cut the tap roots below the female and on either side so that your vine will be able to rise off the ground as your pumpkin grows. Good Luck!
Darren

7/1/2007 9:38:35 PM

Yep and yep.
Also... roots growing under other parts of the vine (away from the female flowers) are good, they help bring nutrients and water to the plant.
One last thing... when you say "upright" I hope you don't mean that you plan on having the pumpkin's stem straight up. If that was your plan, NO NO NO... the pumpkin should lay on its side.
Good luck!

7/2/2007 7:53:08 PM

Pa

thanks everyone, like my name says, i'm new at this!

7/2/2007 9:11:50 PM