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Buffalo, Minnesota

What is the average time an atlantic giant will live, 120 days or something, just wondering because i have started a couple of test seeds and the plants are about three weeks old now and growing very well, some leaves up to 5" by 5" measurements, i have never gotten these to grow this well inside? is their any chance they will survive untill planting time and be able to be transplanted in the garden, how long will the plants last? ~Bill

4/3/2001 1:13:48 AM

walton n.y.

bill i think you've mistaken the estamated maturity date with the plants life span your plant will keep growing until it is killed by frost,insects,or diease

4/4/2001 8:37:03 PM

Buffalo, Minnesota

so in all technicality the plants that i have started almost a month ago may be able to be plants in the 2001 patch?

4/5/2001 1:43:10 AM

Connecticut, USA

Although the plants will keep growing, you need to time your fruit set so you have a mature fruit at weigh-off time.

This pollination "magic window" is usually right around July 10th.

Check the diaries entries to see when various members planted their plants in different parts of the country.

4/5/2001 7:45:53 AM

Rush, NY

To Wildbill and all the other "cold climate" growers: Throw out all those plants you already started. They will NEVER develope a normal root structure. In another month the roots that should be out 8 to 10 feet are all in your container. Plant some more seeds between April 25 and May 5, and transplant to the field positions before they grow a true leaf. Then the plant will have a chance to send out the main roots the way it was intended.
Madman Marc has proven the plants can continue to grow forever. The Clone that I have been babying since March 13 is not what I will put in the field. About April 20 to 25, I plan to start rooting near the end of the runner, and that is what I hope to plant in the field.

4/6/2001 5:13:09 PM

walton n.y.

you still can get a fruit set on your plant that you've been keeping alive but your chances for the big one could be greatly reduced and i don't want to take that chance someone has to give len a run for the money i hope it's me!

4/7/2001 8:30:51 AM

Western Pa.

Well said Len!

I, too have been getting "trigger happy" with my planting finger after reading all the entries of those whom have already planted. Experience has taught me to know better and wait till the time is right! I believe there is a misconception out there, that the earlier you start, the bigger your pumpkin will be! Anyone wishing to try and grow one for "weigh-off" in the Northeast should heed Len's words and hold off planting those seeds! I'm happy to say that I ,too, will be growing one of Madman's clones. Good Luck growing to all!

kilr

4/7/2001 9:04:44 AM

Buffalo, Minnesota

well then, i will prabably just give the plants to my grandma then or something if they are still around come planting time, by the way i got another male flower to open today, thats two days in a row, the flowers wera about two thirds the normal size, but still i say thats pretty good for growing them inside, how long will it be before i get a female flower, a week or so?

4/8/2001 12:47:14 AM

Long Island,New York

Wildbill.....getting flowers on your plant inside in a pot is a result of stress. The seedling is stressing out because of the confines of the pot. You will probably get many flower buds on the growing tip next. I doubt that you will get a female in that situation.
Don't confuse your flowers with the ones on the clones you hear about....the clones are mature plants that have vined extensively and might be happy.(Marc's are happy enough to female bloom...mine are a bit cranky !) (did his pumpkin set?...never heard....) I would suggest that if you want Grandma to get something then start a new plant for her around May 1st...........G (seeing too many people starting WAY too early).

4/8/2001 8:47:31 AM

Newville/PA

Hey everyone I have a question about my plants. I just transplanted my pumpkin plants in to bigger containers. I give them light and water plus on cloudy days I put my plants under a plant light. But there is a problem. They are still dying. I was just wondering if anyone can help. Thanks!
Ryan

4/10/2001 4:11:22 PM

Buffalo, Minnesota

Too wet pherhaps? anyway those plants that i was talking about before werejust transplanted into bigger containers a little more than a week ago, weird that they started growing so good and flowering so soon isnt it? ~Bill

4/11/2001 1:27:44 AM