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Deer Park, WI

I just love crunchin numbers when it comes to big pumpers. So here's some fodder for those like-minded individuals who get all giddy over data sets.

Ive calculated average daily circ gains over 5 day periods for various fruit weights. These can serve as guidlines for matching your fruit progression. However, since the intervals (5 days) are rather short, Temperature and moisture flucutations really influence the data. Keep in mind i live in WI too...we have some screwed up weather up here. So use with caution-

1056 Ailts
Day 10-15 4.4"/day average
Day 15-20 5.3"/day average
Day 20-25 4.7"/day average
Day 25-30 3.3"/day average
Day 30-35 2.8"/day average
Day 35-40 1.8"/day average

804lb (all fruit average)
Day 10-15 4.8"/day average
Day 15-20 4.7"/day average
Day 20-25 4.9"/day average
Day 25-30 3.6"/day average
Day 30-35 2.4"/day average
Day 35-40 1.6"/day average

Looking at the numbers, Its pretty clear that you want to average 5" a day from day ten thru 25 to grow a monster. Maintaining 4.5"/day for those 15 days will give you a respectable fruit. Anything less than that will probably not win you first place. After day 25, growth measurments begin to taper. I personally believe that early season growth (day 0 thru 25) is critical in determining end of season weight. This may help you decide whether or not to keep that slow putzing first set on the main that is 5 days older than the fast moving, younger set a foot or two down the vine. I say go for speed! A fruit's growth rate seems to be inborn, you can speed them up with water and fert, but it wont stay there. On the other hand, you can delay fruit maturation and extend a younger fruits growing time thru various environmental intervention practices.

7/23/2004 10:54:47 AM

Utah

sweet Joe... it's nice to have #'s like yours to compare with what we've got in the patch. (even if they are from Wisc. lol !- just kidding)
thanks
gordon

7/23/2004 12:13:35 PM

In the shade - PDX, OR

Thanks for sharing that info Joe. Analyzing the daily records is fun & yields some good learnings. You have organized a good pattern of growth above.


I firmly believe that regional differences significantly impact fruit growth.

7/23/2004 12:44:08 PM

NEPA [email protected] KB3QKV

Thanks for the info. II will not have a pumpkin grow anywhere as big as that but it is still good to know numbers and compare. I have read here and there but you combined the numbers into one post. Thanks a bunch. Good luck this year.

7/23/2004 10:34:44 PM