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Ypsilanti Michigan

Ok, I have a pumpkin almost the size of a baseball and I cut the leaf away from it the day it was pollinated. The top part of the stem was slightly damaged where I cut the leaf away. Will it grow lopsided, or will it be ok, or will I have a problem down the road? I have one three leaves down ready to open tomarrow.

7/1/2004 7:51:47 PM

Hudsonville, Michigan ([email protected])

Doug:
It should grow just fine. I've had damage to stem and still had good growth, as long as you keep the stem dry & disease out (try some Captan on the wound). I'd still close-pollinate the one opening in the morning, though. Watch 'em both and make your cull after a week or two.
Oh, and next time, don't prune with a machete! lol
Frank

7/1/2004 8:43:19 PM

Ohio, USA

What do you mean you cut the leaf away from it? You have to cut the leaves??? I am not sure I know when to catch the female to pollinate her. Can someone explain this, please.

7/3/2004 8:25:55 PM

[email protected]

I leave the leaf on (unless it's in the way) so as to shade the fruit. The leaf also usually keeps the pollination dry if it rains.

7/3/2004 11:11:02 PM

Ypsilanti Michigan

The leaf scratches the pumpkin when the wind blows it... Catch her in the morning or she will be gone, unless the bees find it OhioGoatlady.

7/5/2004 6:42:41 AM