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Connecticut

Several of my pumpkins have developed a blue-green color that looks like mold in the skin. It doesn't rub off and appears to be under the skin. What could this be? Is it bad? (it looks bad!). Pictures to follow shortly.

9/15/2007 9:57:06 AM

[email protected]

Dusty,

I just released those images & sent you an email. It's normal for some genetic lines. Seeds derived from the 723/845Bobier often do this. I think this trait goes back to the 935 Lloyd (among others) but I'm sure someone more studies in genetics will chime in.

What seed(s) did you grow?

Steve

9/15/2007 10:28:48 AM

Connecticut

Here are the pics. Thanks Steve!
I grew three types of seeds this year but I don't have my chart handy to see which seeds were used. Does the green "stuff" pose any threat to the fruit?

http://www.bigpumpkins.com/DiaryImages/FullSize/74689.jpg

http://www.bigpumpkins.com/DiaryImages/FullSize/74690.jpg

http://www.bigpumpkins.com/DiaryImages/FullSize/74692.jpg

9/15/2007 11:21:25 AM

Mill Bay, British Columbia

It's a squmpkin...somewhere in the genes is a squash. Very common, I've had lots of fruit like that. For example;

http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=15578

9/15/2007 12:09:36 PM

Napa Valley, CA

The green that you are seeing is often referred to as mottling. Its the squash genes showing themselves. As North Shore has mentioned, mottled fruit or squmpkins are very common.

9/15/2007 12:36:18 PM

Connecticut

Is it anything I need to worry about? Are they not a preferred characteristic? Is there any down-side to them (typically smaller, typically split, etc?)

9/15/2007 12:46:00 PM

Well.... I'm blond.
Is being blond anything I need to worry about? Nope. But some people prefer brunettes.

Same concept... some people don't like squash, some people do. Is there anything wrong with them? Nope.

The only thing is... at a contest, your fruit would not be eligible for some of the GPC awards where the fruit has to be 100% either green or orange.

9/15/2007 2:12:49 PM

Western NY

It's normal, and it will get a little more blue the next few weeks. nothing you can do about it, but it's not necessarily a bad thing unless you really care about the color.

9/15/2007 5:16:53 PM

Napa Valley, CA

Mottled pumpkins ofen weigh heavier than the pretty orange ones. Unless you are trying to win a beauty contest, this could be a good thing. Certainly nothing to worry about.

9/16/2007 2:19:44 AM