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Mid Michigan

Another stupid question from Cuzbiker........on the package that my Big max seeds came in, it says 120 days to maturity.
I would imagine it's the same for my 896 Wells seeds too.
Does that mean the plant will quit growing 120 days from germination ( give or take), or does that mean fruit growth for 120 days from pollination? There's a big difference there as far as how much growing time i'll have. If it's 120 days from germination, i'm almost done.....if it's 120 days from pollination, i could still have pumpkin growth right into Oct. Aaahhhhh......too many questions, and scary answers in this game!!
Cuzbiker

8/18/2001 6:18:40 AM

Rexburg, Idaho

Neither. It's just a estimate of how long from the time the seed develops its first true leaves to the time the pumpkin is mature. As eveidenced by some of the "clones" out there the plants will grow for much longer then 120 days (400+ so far). If the pumpkin would grow for 120 days then there would be alot more 1000 pounders out there. In general they say the pumpkin will grow for about 70 days then stop - but this is a rough estimate.

8/18/2001 7:26:59 AM

St. George, NB Canada

On that basis, would it make sense to time starting seeds and then pollination to capture the very best 2 months of the year for fruit growth for that area? Assumes one could establish or make a guess at that time period. Bill C.

8/18/2001 9:12:27 AM

North Ga

cuzbiker, My plant is about 170 days old. I started them indoors the end of feb, and transplanted them outdoors the last of march. (Very mild winter down here.) One made it. Just a couple or three week ago I had four that were pollinated by bees from a funky looking hermaphrodite. I did see pollen. Anyway, I'm not going to germinate any seeds til April next year. Good luck!
Pappy

8/18/2001 11:46:11 AM

North Ga

My biggest is 149 ott. Looks like it is kicking in.

8/18/2001 11:48:43 AM

North Ga

I want it to go till the county fair Sept 13 That would make this freak plant almost 200 days

8/18/2001 11:50:18 AM

Newton, MA

I have a small Pumpkin that is orange already and my son want's to keep for cutting in October. How do you know when the pumpkin is ripe and ready to cut off the stem? I don't want it to rot on the stem.

Is there a special way to keep it so it makes it to Holloween?

8/18/2001 4:30:35 PM

Tipp City, Ohio

If direct seeded. What would be the best time to plant if I wanted to harvest the pumpkins near the first week of October? Some of my AGs are beginning to pack it up now. It's only been 78 days since I direct seeded these.
Tom

8/18/2001 11:25:54 PM