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Farmville, Virginia ([email protected])

My 1446 is producing a perfect wagon wheel shaped pumpkin. It's taping right now at 145" OTT. I am very concerned about the possibility of the fruit tipping backward over the stem and breaking off. Is this usually a problem with this shape fruit and what is the best way to support it to avoid a disaster?

7/5/2007 6:01:06 PM

Ohio

My nephew, Bryan had a pumpkin do the same thing.I believe he used styrofoam blocks that they use in flower arrangements. He just kept adding the blocks has the pumpkin grew.If he sees this post iam sure he will chime in.

7/5/2007 10:06:08 PM

Santa Rosa, CA.

I grew a wheel on one of my plants last year. When the fruit got about 3' high it started leaning back towards the stem. I used 2 pieces of 4' re-bar driven into the ground to support it. Put 3/4" pvc pipe over the re-bar so it wouldn't scratch up the pumpkin. Hope this helps.

7/6/2007 12:39:39 AM

Waitakere New Zealand

i had a wheel proped it up with styrofoam cut to shape ..worked ok.

7/6/2007 4:25:33 AM

Carrollton, Ga.

Good idea patchmaster,
I was just fixing to suggest driving 2 metal fence post behind the pumpkin and padding them.

Doug
Jn. 3:16

7/6/2007 6:34:31 AM

Ashville, Ohio

yea I had one do that used the green floral foam blocks can cut them to what ever shape you need worked great for me

7/6/2007 12:27:31 PM

Eugene, OR

I had the same problem in '04 Mark. I kept it upright with sand, lots of sand. Stem stress was a constant battle because wheels are so tall but it made it through to the end of season. Definitely wasn't a very stable pumpkin though! http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=26837

7/6/2007 1:16:21 PM