From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Forest Hill,md.

Can a secondary vine be as good as the main in as far as size and growth?I have 2 2032,s that have not produced a good main spot as yet and now next chance is seen appearing at about 18 feet out from stump .On both plants i have removed all other secondary females and both plants failed on the chance at 14 feet out.Growing in christmas tree pattern and first secondaries are 10 plus feet both sides of plant.Opinions are most welcome..Thanks.

6/23/2015 10:17:19 PM

Menomonie, WI (mail@gr8pumpkin.net)

As a last ditch effort yes. I would not do this before July 10th

6/23/2015 10:35:41 PM

Menomonie, WI (mail@gr8pumpkin.net)

As a last ditch effort yes. I would not do this before July 10th

6/23/2015 10:36:07 PM

Forest Hill,md.

Thanks,As robust as both plants are,it would be a shame if cannot set on the main. They are identical in every aspect and was hoping for at least the chance to see they're potential.

6/24/2015 5:19:09 AM

Cincinnati,OH

I would let the females remain on the secondaries until I had one set on the main. like Linus said, If I had nothing set on the main by July 10, I would keep a pollination on a secondary.

6/24/2015 9:25:53 PM

Forest Hill,md.

So, I assume the secondary will not produce competition size.If have to go that way is it better to set further from stump or closer?

6/24/2015 9:48:04 PM

Central NY

Depends who yer in competition with...

6/24/2015 10:49:43 PM

Kentucky, U.S.A.

There have been many growers there first several years expecting to produce the beast of epic size, only to see the window of perfect pollination slip past, and although they managed to get a nice porch decoration weighting 400-500 lbs. they still suffer a bit of defeat. How many repeat years before they have had enough? I have been at this four five years now, last year I somehow lucked up and got one over 1000lbs! (it was a July 4 pollination) I won't elaborate on how lucky that was due to my stupidity! Get the fun part down and grow from there. Just look at the years experience on here, what a resource! I pollinate every one from the very first, then cull them back as needed. I'm not much compared most the growers here on BP, but my locals think I'm the god of giant pumpkins! Now that's fun!!! That keeps me coming back for more!

6/27/2015 10:54:13 AM

East Jordan, MI

getting one set is most important. you have spent a lot of time getting the plant to this point. Pollinate everything and see what happens. if you get a main set, that is best, but a side vine can work too if it is not possible to get a main set.

In my opinion the plant will identify the longest vine as the "main" especially if it is the only growing tip. So if you can set one on the main and prune the plant so that the vine the pumpkin is on is the longest vine with a growing tip, I think it will do just as well as the original main vine. We grew our PB 1718 on a secondary last year and popped the 1725 in 2013 at day 50 around 860 lbs growing 25 lbs a day -- so a side vine set can certainly grow a competition pumpkin.

6/27/2015 11:49:26 AM

East Jordan, MI

dang it, I even proofread it .... I really need an edit button ken....lol

the above should say....

So if you CAN'T set one on the main...

6/27/2015 11:51:13 AM

East Jordan, MI

http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryView.asp?season=2015&grower=54784&action=L

Here is a drawing to try and depict what I am talking about.

Discussion is welcome.

6/27/2015 12:43:18 PM

Forest Hill,md.

Thanks for the help.These 2 plants are growing so identical its wierd.Females same spots at same time...Looks like I got lucky setting them on the mains at 21 feet.Would'nt you know it there are more female 2 feet out further on both.Do deadhead mains after you set?And how far is to far to set on mains?

6/30/2015 5:50:06 PM