From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Kuna, Id.

Could anyone tell me why the early leaves on my plants were 10" across and the new leaves are 16"-24" across.I did up my fert. and water late in the season could that be it?I assume leaf size will help pumpkin size? Thanks Ken

9/7/2001 9:10:34 PM

Manchester, N.H.

I wish I knew, my leaves are huge towards the end of my plant too.

9/8/2001 9:04:56 AM

Commack, NY

it could be anything. but what i've noticed in my patch is that when leaves have more space to occupy they will be larger. case in point, i hacked every other side vine after one of my fruit, those leaves were lareger then the leaves where the side vines weren't cut.

scott

9/8/2001 10:04:04 AM

Kuna, Id.

Scott,I have three plants ending all in the same place and mounded.You can't even see the ground,and the leaf size there is the biggest.It would be nice to have the bigger leaves at the front of the plant.

9/8/2001 1:24:35 PM

Rexburg, Idaho

I've found the same thing. I don't know why this happens. My biggest leaves(about 26") occur in a part of the patch where the pumpkin grows under a shed and is shaded all of the time. Perhaps it has something to do with available light affecting the size of the leaves. If you cut off every other secondary are the resulting leaves larger or smaller then plants where the secondaries are allowed to grow. Doe's leaf size make a difference? (I have no idea)

9/8/2001 1:29:37 PM

Kuna, Id.

I read in here somewhere that leaves are like a solar panel,so one would think that the bigger the leaf the more energy the plant would draw in.Thus a bigger pumpkin???? Ken

9/8/2001 4:13:22 PM

canal winchester ohio

I don't know if this will help but here it goes.
When I plant in late April or early May, when there is less sun, my plant's leaves are larger and the leaf stalks are longer. When I replanted my 353 in late July, there was more sun and these leaves are a little smaller and the stalks are shorter. I have always heard and read that the leaves and the stalks react to how much sun they are getting. Larger for less sun, smaller for more sun.

Paul

9/8/2001 6:52:23 PM

Topsfield, Ma.

i also read here somewhere, or on a link page, that there are "growth hormones?" at the ends of every vine. when you terminate the vines, extra plant energy is directed towards the new growth thus encouraging the oversize leaves towards the ends of the vines. for the last three years i've grown a "steam roller?" (single main vine with no secondaries allowed) produces humongous leaves the entire length of the vine, but haven't had any success with fruit ! end of experiment and wasting patch space ! good luck.

9/8/2001 7:21:46 PM

North Ga

I've noticed that late in the season any plant tries to reproduce in any way possible. Maybe she is on her last leg.

9/8/2001 7:30:36 PM

Kuna, Id.

Thanks,That seems to make some sence.We first timers are looking for every thing that may help.Next year I'll try some real seeds not the shelf seeds.Ken

9/8/2001 7:42:54 PM

Manchester, N.H.

Ken, I know what it's like to want "real" seeds. A friend of mine started a few ag plants for me this spring and from that that I have a pumpkin that is over 300 pounds. For my first time, I think that's pretty good. I've been wanting to grow an ag for a few years now. What i'm getting at is I would be more than happy to give you some of the seeds from this pumpkin. If you would like me to send you some(when they're ready) you can e-mail me at [email protected] There is nothing more rewarding than growing an Atlanic Giant. At least I think so.

9/8/2001 9:21:35 PM

Kuna, Id.

flora,you can count on hearing from me.Thanks Ken

9/9/2001 12:20:54 AM

Puyallup, WA

Ken,
Just join your nearest Giant Pumpkin Growers Association
and you will receive some seed....good seed!

Stan Pugh
PNWGPG

9/9/2001 1:05:38 AM

Ga.

dont think we have a gpga down here,,,heck,we have to have the sunshine pumped in here!!

9/9/2001 8:33:50 AM

Kuna, Id.

Stan,I'am in Idaho we are so far behind the times that my corduroy bell bottoms are still in style.Ken

9/9/2001 1:47:50 PM

Puyallup, WA

Well Ken....what can I say? You might want to drive out to Portland, OR. next March for the PNWGPG Seminar. We give out lots of seeds...I came back with about 25!!!

9/10/2001 12:21:36 AM

Kuna, Id.

Stan,I'll try, e-mail me when the time comes around.Thanks Ken

9/10/2001 12:53:29 AM