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Nauvoo, Alabama

I have splits around the stem. If I let another pumpkin grow on this plant---will it slow down the splits on the big one?

7/19/2007 11:42:20 AM

Menomonie, WI ([email protected])

Stem splits are very common..as long as they are kept dry and do not go into the cavity. You will be fine. Full speed ahead...Damn the torpedoes...

7/19/2007 1:09:08 PM

Nauvoo, Alabama

Ease my tention. Who had splits on the pumpkin itself around the stem, Not just on the stem, and still grew big? I'm a nervous dummie. I have seen stem splits and still grew but havent seen any skin splits yet. These are 3 inches long on the pumpkin starting at the stem . Just slap me and get it over with.

7/19/2007 1:13:36 PM

[email protected]

The cracks you just posted pix of don't look too bad. Some growers would cut them LARGER to relieve stress under controlled conditions (sterile) but I wouldn't recommend it to you.

If what you've done doesn't work, get a fan blowing on it.

7/19/2007 1:25:12 PM

Sheridan . NY

vcp and vc----

7/19/2007 8:58:07 PM

Like Shannon said, as long as it doesn't go into the cavity, you're fine.

Take a look see:

http://www.bigpumpkins.com/viewarticle.asp?id=113&gid=30

Check out especially this picture:

http://www.bigpumpkins.com/displayphoto.asp?pid=2573&gid=30

This stem split did not breach the cavity, yielding a sound fruit and a world record at the time of 1385 pounds.

You get a fruit with thick, heavy shoulders, and the split won't make it to the cavity. Just keep the split dry. A little fungicidal paste and a small electric fan are also good tools to have at your disposal.

Good luck.

7/19/2007 9:11:36 PM