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Syracuse, NY

The trend has been to put the biggest seedlings into the patch as possible, seemingly, not disparaging anyone, but to have to transplant and re-transplant and disturb the roots when waiting until a week to 10-14 days max before a 'usual' planting time makes more sense to ME, as the roots probably 'want' to be established as soon as possible, as undisturbed as possible and whatever it take to protect them from mainly freezing temps is the highest priority. Mine are usually simply planted out TOO late, too slowly, but I don't have them in 1-3-gallon containers, either.
Mine are in 16-ounce plastic cups - just the way I do it. The one in your picture is an ideal for most, but larger than most that I've ever planted. As soon as that 1st true leaf appeared and was the size needed to show direction of growth, if possible, that woulda been 'just right' for me, lol. I'd like to plant out plants that have nearly NO roots hitting the sides, but that are still thriving plants like yours. Nice one!
eric g

4/9/2025 7:39:05 AM

Syracuse, NY

(*_*) Whoops. eg

[Last edit: 04/09/25 7:50:26 AM]

4/9/2025 7:48:23 AM

Syracuse, NY

Here are a few that are ready, in my opinion.
http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=351553
Not really any different than yours but by a few days younger. I think the challenge of big pot/small seedling is getting it into the ground without the roots holding the soil together. Well, I'll tell all what my SOLUTION is for that, someday, lol...I'd also try to lean the plants away from the 1st true leaves as I planted them. Truth be told, I TRIM my plants to remove the bias from the 1st true leaf, lol. 'T'sokay. A little off the top, lol. The rule used to be like 10-14 days max. from seeding to 'weeding';
Whatever works is good! Others will have some opinions and I hope we all do well!
eric g

[Last edit: 04/09/25 7:55:01 AM]

4/9/2025 7:49:16 AM

Salem Ohio

In the past I was trying to get 30 days inside in a 5 gallon pot, my thoughts have changed since then. Here’s why: Microscopic root hairs and associated fungal hyphae (especially mycorrhizae) extending from giant pumpkin roots can reach surprisingly far beyond visible roots, typically ranging:

Root hairs: Generally extend between 0.5 to 2 mm from visible root surfaces. Root hairs themselves remain microscopic and are seldom longer than a couple millimeters.

Fungal hyphae (mycorrhizal associations): Far more extensive than root hairs, hyphae can stretch several centimeters (5-15 cm or even more) away from the visible roots, significantly extending the reach of the root system. Though individually microscopic, fungal networks collectively create vast underground structures invisible to the naked eye.


Summary of typical extents:

Root hairs: ~0.5–2 mm

Mycorrhizal fungal networks: up to 15 cm or more


These microscopic extensions create critical zones of nutrient and water uptake, microbial interaction, and biochemical communication, significantly enhancing the functional area and effectiveness of the root system before visible roots become apparent.


So now iI transplant outside between 5-8 days from seed starting.

4/10/2025 11:36:38 AM

Syracuse, NY

Yeah, man! I always would have too, butt each plant is a work of art and Art takes time...so does Eric! Good job---eg

4/10/2025 12:15:27 PM

Moscow, Russia

Thank you all, this is a very interesting topic and useful information. There is something to think about. The conclusion is to grow seedlings in a small pot and plant the sooner the better, did I understand correctly?

4/10/2025 4:56:23 PM

Syracuse, NY

There'll be no conclusion nor anything to always do unless it works for YOU, ma'am. You can also combine the advice of others and what you know to be your own best way (weigh, lol).
I would follow the advice of McMillin Giants, sure! Seeing his results, sure!. Have a nice day---eric g

4/10/2025 9:41:01 PM

New Castle, Indiana

Outside is always better....unless it's too cold..haha. So the idea is to start them while you're getting your last freezes, then transplant as soon as you can when weather permits. I like to wait until it's consistenly no lower than 50 at night. I don't have heaters outside like some growers do so I have to be careful about nighttime temps. Soil temp is also a factor but you can't do anything about that unless you have heating cables, or some long term method of solarizing the patch.

4/11/2025 2:12:31 PM

New Castle, Indiana

And just to add to that....sometimes you get a day or two when it's much warmer out, but not consistently. That's a good time to just put the pots outside because sunlight is better than your grow lights. It may also help harden them up against wind.

4/11/2025 2:14:29 PM

Syracuse, NY

To Steve and All, butt only if temps are like near freezing,
I suppose:
http://www.bigpumpkins.com/msgboard/ViewThread.asp?b=33&p=754386

4/11/2025 4:10:34 PM