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Santa Ynez California

Hi. My dad has told me his biggest pumpkin - about 400 pounds has stopped growing. However the vines are still growing like crazy. He is estimating the size of the plant at 35' x 35 and is pretty anal so I am guessing this is a close to fact estimate hahahaha. It is also 107 degrees there lately. He has a canopy over the pumpkin and also sheets over it too. What can he do to get it jump started again. I figured probably heavy potassium and to terminate the vines growth as it is already over 1000 square feet hahaha and still growing like crazy. Since mine vines have slowed to a snails pace i thought maybe this might be part of problem - but what do i know really. it is only my second year and last year was a short season for us hahahaha. any help is most appreciated. Steve

7/17/2009 4:10:32 PM

Farmville, Virginia (mfowler@hsc.edu)

The 107 degree temps could have something to do with the lack of fruit growth but I would say the main cause is the fact that the vines are not terminated. If he has that much plant there is absolutely no need in growing it bigger. Sounds like he has way to much plant nutrient going into the vines instead of the pumpkin. If he terminates and buries all sides it leaves the nutrients nowhere to go except into the fruit.
Also, in my opinion I would stay away from very much potash for awhile. Normally it is used close to the end of the season. To much can make the pumpkin mature to early.

7/17/2009 6:39:23 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

107 aside; I agree that plant should have the secondaries terminated by now. Them the growth would be focused on the fruit & not leaves.

7/17/2009 7:27:03 PM

Santa Ynez California

Hi. Thank you. We are getting about the same weather here and mine are still growing 20-30 pounds a day depending on the plants but I talked to him tonight and his plant is big plant just measured 35 x close to 40 feet. He's off to nip off all the secondaries tonight. His vines are all buried but for some reason he didn't listen when I said to terminate the secondaries at about 12' hahahahaha. Thanks again. Steve

7/17/2009 10:56:14 PM

Santa Ynez California

ps. Since his plant is so big will it possibly damage the pumpkin when all the nutrients are suddenly diverted back to the pumpkin. Thanks. Steve

7/17/2009 11:26:06 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

Steve, from prior (limited) experience...I would NOT terminate all in one fell swoop!!! A couple on each side per day...maybe!!! Hope some HH's chime in to help!!! Peace, Wayne

7/17/2009 11:59:37 PM

Farmville, Virginia (mfowler@hsc.edu)

I'm no expert but I agree with Wayne. I would think terminating all vines at once would be about the same as culling your unwanted pumpkins at once. Seems like it could blow up your keeper.

7/18/2009 1:57:16 AM

Midwest

I agree with Wayne.

7/18/2009 1:29:11 PM

Santa Ynez California

Hi. Thank you. My dad is computer illiterate so I pass all of this on to him as I get the info lol. However so far he is doing pretty good but it sounds like he let that plant just get way too big and now it will be like having three normal plants all feeding one pumpkin hahaha. Thank you again. Steve

7/18/2009 3:39:52 PM

Desolate, NE

to terminate do you just throw soil on top, or do you dig hole to bury?

7/20/2009 10:50:07 AM