From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Townshend, Vermont

is there any way to stop the skin from doing this? i've kept it from direct sunlight with a structure using remay, but at day 54, it's looking like it could use some lotion. can't find a thread anywhere on this, or reference to it, in book #2. could i use mineral oil, aloe vera, baby oil or anything at all? i'm at a personal, unofficial best at around 450lbs, growing in southern vermont, and would like the pnkin to survive september, while at the same time maybe try to help it keep its good looks. any suggestion would be appreciated, thank u.

9/3/2007 11:49:56 PM

Vancouver Washington

That is a genetic thing. Some do some don't. The good news is that many growers feel that the ones with the heavy surface netting tend to weigh heavy. I wouldn't put any of that stuff on your skin while the pumpkin is at Day 54. Some growers use all sorts of oils at the end of the season to change the appearance, but you will never change the texture or have any e ffect on future roughness. Olive oil is a commonly used oil for deepening color. Also, most weigh offs stipulate no oil for any pumpkins being weighed. It is mostly used for the "prettiest" pumpkin category.

9/4/2007 12:26:11 AM

[email protected]

I've heard a few people recommend calcium to keep the pumpkin skin supple but I really doubt it would influence cantelouping.

9/4/2007 7:47:38 AM

Menomonie, WI ([email protected])

Why stop it...as I have been told 1 million times its a weight contest not beauty. Them big old cantelouped ones almost always measure heavy.

9/4/2007 1:07:29 PM

Frankfort, KY

FYI, too, baby oil IS mineral oil and both are petroleum based if you are concerned about such things....

9/4/2007 1:36:18 PM

Rhode Island

rons 1068 is so nasty looking with cob webs, canteloping. and it has more sap spots than a pine tree.
the sheet we were covering it with during the day looks like it was used at a roman orgie --- lol
sad but true
PAP

9/4/2007 6:43:03 PM

Wi

Pap, thanks for the illustration :( Ha ha.

9/5/2007 9:20:39 AM

Townshend, Vermont

alrighty then, she is what she is, thanks.

9/5/2007 10:31:29 AM

Georgia

I have some canteloping and sappy pumpkins but I know their not gonna be preety just from their genetics when I planted them. My girlfriend has a nice pumpkin"heads outta the gutters fellas" and shes so worried its gonna cantalope. I just tell her it is what it is.

9/5/2007 10:38:30 AM