From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Minnesota

This is an opened ended question to all watermelon growers out there.............do you prefer a long stem or a short stem when deciding which female to keep?? I have had both in giant pumpkins and it dont seem to matter. Just curious if this is different with the melons.

2/5/2011 6:26:48 PM

Sevierville,tn

Long is always better IMHO

2/5/2011 7:36:53 PM

formerly RGG

I completely agree with Janet.

2/5/2011 7:37:48 PM

Fenton, MI

Long stem if it is big in diameter. Small diameter stems have a tendency to bleed and blow off as the melon gets big and the plant tries to push hard. With everything equal in size and shape, I always go with the largest diameter stem - long or short.

2/5/2011 11:00:57 PM

Lexington,IN

Glad to see you posting on here Marvin. Interesting point also. I see alot of not exactly, or even close to being straight. Do you look for straighter stems also? Or does that matter much?

2/6/2011 12:37:48 AM

Minnesota

Wow..........such great growers responding. I too would be willing to bet that diameter is more important than length.

thanks for your responses.

2/6/2011 10:35:31 AM

Fenton, MI

Straight it better I think, and on the same side of vine as melon. All the juice has to come though the stem. To get the big melons I think you need a straight fat stem. But we don't aiways get what we want. So some times I take the stem over the shape of the young melon. ( 10 days or less,)

2/6/2011 11:46:55 AM

Minnesota

thats very interesting Marvin. i think it only makes sense to have a straight and large stem so when the plant ramps up its energy and forces it into the watermelon, there is as little restriction as possible. I havent grown enough to take notice of these things but i will pay more attention this summer. great stuff!!

2/6/2011 12:29:30 PM