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chesterfield mi

hello new grower here first year. question my pumpkins
are about the size of a bowling ball and now there turning orange isnt that to early or will they continue to grow after thier orange also i noticed the tenting of large pumpkins at what point are you suppose to tent

7/31/2001 10:54:50 PM

Kuna, Id.

My first year also. First pumpkin set 6/1 started turning orange 7/2. Tented all new sets at baseball size they are still growing with a bright shine and light yellow skin. The one that turned orange is still growing,but very slowly I didn't cover this one assuming it was doomed to be a small one,but could be wrong. You'll get much better advise from all who answer after me. But I know your fear. Ken

8/1/2001 12:58:32 AM

Omaha, Nebraska

Do you guys have the right kind of seeds? Atlantic Giant Seeds?

8/1/2001 1:20:26 AM

chesterfield mi

yes i have atlantic giant seeds
anymore suggestions?

8/1/2001 11:53:40 AM

chesterfield mi

yes i have atlantic giant seeds
anymore suggestions?

8/1/2001 11:53:43 AM

Long Island,New York

Kuka02..sounds a bit early to turn orange to me. Generally speaking the change to orange is a gradual one...you wake up one day and realize that its turning orange slowly. Its a maturing process that doesn't neccessarilly mean its done growing.Its not like "its done growing and now I have to wait for it to ripen".They grow while orange...alot of growth. If you fruit is nearing maturity some additional signs to look for would be canteloping(texture of the skin turning into that like a cantelope), and "ribbing up".You'll see the ribs begin to define themselves...bumps or ribs will bulge out overnight here and there. The skin will get harder. You may start to get some greening or greying around the stem or blossom ends of the fruit. It could be that your fruit is just oranger than some others....
Tenting is done to prevent sunburn and to keep the fruit dry while it grows. Burned skin will discolor and might be a cause of your oranging. The softer the skin the easier it expands so we want soft skin....or it may blow up or split with a big growth night.
And finally, some AG's just dont get big...you may be an unlucky one. My nieghbor's shelf seed plant was only about double that when it was done. .........G

8/1/2001 4:54:45 PM

chesterfield mi

dear g thats for your response i need all the help i can get.

8/1/2001 5:59:44 PM

Kuna, Id.

I also have AG seeds the one that is turning orange grows about 1" a day it has smooth shiney skin Looks as if you were to poke it it would explode. It's small at only around 120"total{around,over,across} But is the best looking of the five plants that I have. The rest are flat,fat,and long. Ken

8/2/2001 2:25:26 AM