From

Location

Message

Date Posted

No Place Special

do wrong? Most pumpkins have a hard stem (handle) after they are cut, but mine is moosh. Its been cut off for a few weeks now. Did I cut it to early?????? I would welcome any advice, so this wont happen to the one I cut off for pumpkin fest this weekend. Thanks in advance,

Mike

9/30/2001 10:25:28 PM

CT

Hi - Try cutting the vine within an inch of the stem on either side as opposed to cutting the stem itself. Maybe that will help. Also, if you have a soft stem, there could be some kind of rot going on. You could try cutting out the soft part and applying a fungicidal paste that would help stop the rot and dry it out. Best of luck - RVSK

10/1/2001 12:20:39 PM

Chester Co., PA

Atlantic giants have soft, weak stems. They can never be used for a handle like Jack-o-lantern or Connecticut Field. Next year, do like RVSK suggests and cut the vine on both sides of the pumpkin and then treat with fungicide or pruning paint. If you go to a weigh off cut the vine back to the allowable length right before weighing.

10/1/2001 4:13:49 PM

No Place Special

Thanks for the advice, ill try that

10/2/2001 3:27:11 PM