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Newcastle, CA

I have seen other posts and read 12-15 feet down the main vine for a big pumpkin. I am assuming that is the tradition Christmas tree pattern. I have four plants that I am growing with a flag pattern. Should I wait and get a little further out on the main? If so how far, 24'? If half the secondaries are removed does the reasoning that the main should be twice as long hold true? I am 13 feet on two of the plants and removing females.

6/6/2013 7:08:37 PM

Upa Creek, Mo

I think flag is just using half the area, and still being able to have a regular length main. I'd assume you'd still want to pollinate within 15 feet of the stump. Northshore has grown Flag quite a few times with success, hopefully he chimes in.

6/6/2013 9:04:12 PM

Mill Bay, British Columbia

I've grown several 700-800 lb pumpkins via the flag pattern and have had my best plants have at least 8-9 secondaries before the fruit and let those secondaries be a little longer than normal at about 15 feet.

With 8 or 9 secondaries before the pumpkin, that is usually about 12-16 feet on the main vine...best of luck.

6/8/2013 8:26:41 PM