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Los Angeles

If some leaves (not all) are limp during the day despite the vine being watered in the morning, is this an indication of more watering needed, too much, or is this reaction to the sun just normal, daily behavior after a certain temperature is reached? The leaves most affected are the more mature, larger ones. Thanks!

6/21/2012 8:47:54 PM

South East

when the plant in the hot part of the day looses more water then it can uptake, leaves start drooping, its called " flagging " a slight misting can perk them up or shade net can help prevent it. It happens more often to young plants whos root system is not completely developed. But if its hot enough, even mature plants wil droop and perk up once the sun goes down.

Hope this helps.

6/21/2012 8:56:29 PM

Baker City Oregon

I had severe flagging on my 1211.5 today. Watered heavily this morning. The other 4 plants did not flag. The 1211.5 perked up about 6 p.m.. It's doing fine now but it concerns me.

6/21/2012 9:37:17 PM

Baker City Oregon

Temp. was around 90.

6/21/2012 9:37:46 PM

Upa Creek, Mo

Whitey, I grew 3 last year and they all responded different too. The 1059 Vincent McGill did very well in the heat with little flagging even on 100+ days. The 2 others not so much. I agree with the Cooks and also believe genetics plays a big role.

6/21/2012 9:46:15 PM

Los Angeles

Tina, Frank: Very informative and exactly what I was looking for. Thank you very much.

Smallmouth_Luke: can you expand on your comment about genetics playing a big role...

6/21/2012 10:38:03 PM

Upa Creek, Mo

Traits passed down from the parent plants and so on. These things have been breed for size in all parts of the world in hot, cold, dry and wet regions. I guess it's selective breeding similar to what we did with dogs from when they were wolves. Certain plants are know for certain traits like a German Shepherd was bread for guarding sheep and terriers were used for hunting. For example, I believe most VanHook plants like the 275 are more heat tolerant since he selects his crosses and grows in Kentucky. Some growers grow orange only, so they choose pumpkins to cross that only exhibit that trait. I wasn't trying to get scientific, just using common sense.

6/22/2012 10:41:33 AM

Maryland

lemeva
I usually don't post I just read! Been growing (trying) for 5 years I live in Southern Maryland it gets hot and humid here last year we had 30 days straight of over 95 to 100deg. and never dropped below 80 at night. I have learned the genetics play a huge part. Try to find seeds from warmer climates it has helped me. I lose half my plants to heat. The plants that make it always come from warm growers. also I bought an Easy up tent and when i see the first wilt I put a tent over the plant. I adjust the height low and water as much as I can. After repeated wilting the plant will abort any pumpkin and good luck try to set a new pumpkin. I am also open to any advise on the subject. It's heart breaking to see a 25 foot plant (Christmas tree shape) with No pumpkin! I have seen it 2 years now I think a heat wave is worse than Hail!

6/22/2012 12:59:57 PM