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North Port, FL.

Hello Growers I am new to growing Field pumpkin first timer, can any one advice about setting field pumpkin, how should I set the field pumpkin , just like setting giant pumpkin at the side ? or up right ?
appreciate your advice.

Kenny.

2/2/2011 10:46:44 PM

Rhode Island

field pumpkins are usually open pollinated and allow to grow as nature intended ( where they lay )
if your doing a small garden of field pumpkins then by all means set them up on there blossom end or as you like, but its not necessary.
field pumpkins will not flatten out like the bottom of an atlantic giant.

2/3/2011 10:01:02 AM

Field pumpkins will flatten a little bit on the bottom, but only if they get big enough. If you're trying to grow a large one, let it grow on its side like you would an AG.

Generally, the field pumpkin stems are a little more forgiving than AG's, and can conform/bend/contort a bit more, so stem stress isn't as big a concern. That doesn't mean you handle them roughly, but you wouldn't normally have to worry about elevating the vine like you do with a giant pumpkin. (In addition to the fact that the vine wouldn't be meeting the stem 2-3 feet off the ground like it does on an AG.)

I have done both OP's and controlled crosses with my field pumpkins. In this respect, the pollination is exactly the same as you would do for an AG if you are controlling it.

Fruit protection (a sheet serves double duty of keeping the fruit cool and discouraging critters from the snack bar) is also similar, though I usually don't bother with mill fabric under the field pumpkins like I do on an AG.

Good luck!

-Neal Leland

2/3/2011 12:46:16 PM

North Port, FL.

" Thank you " all for your advice ,I have submit a photo of my first field pumpkin at my grower diary.

2/3/2011 4:18:57 PM