From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Bellingham, WA

I was just looking over my pumpkin, and found something that made me skip a beat.

My main vine, right at the intersection of where the pumpkin is growing, is splitting. We had some intense winds the other day (in the middle of a week of rain), and I'm thinking the vine was getting tossed around while the pumpkin was holding still, causing the split. Perhaps the heavy moisture played a part as well.

Either way... help! What should I do about it? The split runs the direction of the vine, and looks like it will continue. No visible damage farther on down the vine, to the vine itself or the leaves.

As always, thanks!

7/24/2007 12:21:53 AM

Zone 6, Missouri

Hi Pumpkinate,

I have the same problem, I'm not sure what is the cause of the split but here are some things I'm doing to help. First off if it's oozing clean the area, then hit it with a 10% Bleach/water mix to help control any fungi that might start growing, and I put a fan on it to dry it off. I'm no pro at this yet, so If there is any one that spots a problem with what I'm doing please post thanks.

Good luck with your pumpkin!
Jason

7/24/2007 3:29:42 AM

Sheridan . NY

As i just said in my post on fert and watering i suggest vcp and vc----craig

7/24/2007 8:48:15 AM

Menomonie, WI ([email protected])

Do you growers have slack or a curve in your vine? I sounds like what you have is Stem Stress and the pumpkin is pulling away from the vine.

7/24/2007 1:15:16 PM

Bellingham, WA

I do have slack and curve in the vine, but I think those heavy winds just put too much pressure on it.

This is a crucial area, since its right at the spot of the pumpkin. So the fungicides will help, but I need something to keep it from splitting anymore. Right now I have it held together with some tree wrap. Any better ideas?

7/24/2007 1:53:04 PM

Zone 6, Missouri

I have a big curve in the vine. I'm guessing that's my problem?

Thanks Shannon.
Jason

7/24/2007 10:26:05 PM

Menomonie, WI ([email protected])

Jason you need that slack or curve for later growth. Otherwise when the pumpkin gets huge as they do, the shoulders will press up against the main vine. Then its to late....

7/25/2007 1:22:04 PM