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Vancouver Island, British Columbia

Hi, I only have one plant and 2 pumpkins growing on it.
At some point I’m going to have to chose one and cull the other.

Here’s a pic of the two pumpkins http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=305920

Largest is a bit bigger than a basketball (it’s at 12’) the smaller one is the size of a large coconut @ about 14’

The larger one has some cantalouping on both sides and 3 long large stem splits.

The smaller one has one large stem split.

The larger one is about 5 days older than the smaller one.

My goal is to break my personal best (655lbs)

I believe both pumpkins have set! Just need help choosing one ...

Thanks joe

7/15/2019 11:34:09 PM

Winnipeg, Manitoba

Do you have photos you can show of the splits?

As of now, I'd personally go for the smaller one 14 feet out. It has only 1 stem split compared to the bigger one with 3 & more secondaries behind it - however I've grown two 1000+ pounders with many splits visible at a young age (and they were still sound and intact come harvest time)

You still have a really good chance at growing a personal best even with the smaller one 14' out. From a previous diary post you said it was pollinated on July 3rd. In 2014 I pollinated one on July 4th (10 ft out) and got it to be 1020 pounds come October. However the weather in Winnipeg is very different than Vancouver Island. Your weather is the warmest in all of Canada during the winter, but fairly cold in the summer compared to other provinces.

7/16/2019 2:12:17 AM

Grittyville, WA

Whichever is glossy & growing and looks like its got a good blossom end. Canteloping sounds strange this early. Plenty of time so I'd say pick the one that looks most like it will make it to the finish line.

7/16/2019 3:47:48 AM

Eastern Pennsylvania

there shouldn't be any cantalouping on a baby pumpkin. Without seeing it up close, that sounds like a red flag.

7/16/2019 9:35:17 AM

Plattsburgh, NY

What is cantalouping? Sorry! lol

7/16/2019 3:56:11 PM

Germany

JayB, it´s the rough rockmelon-like surface of the pumpkin skin (this happens to a good number of pumpkins as their growth slows down and the skin dries/hardens, like commences after day 40...70 or maybe never, depending on weather, genetics etc.). Has nothing to do with candy-looping http://mentalfloss.com/article/26723/10-sweet-facts-about-candy-canes (LOL)

7/16/2019 4:50:15 PM

Vancouver Island, British Columbia

Here’s a pic of the stem splits. The bottom one is the bigger of the two with one split not visible.
The top is the smaller one with the 3 visible splits.

http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=305959

7/16/2019 6:28:04 PM

Colorado

Go with the one you like.Stem splits are too similar, wouldnt say one is better than the other

7/16/2019 11:23:46 PM

Vancouver Island, British Columbia

Thank you everyone for your input! Greatly appreciated!

7/17/2019 12:00:40 AM

Mill Bay, British Columbia

Hey Joe, it’s always tough to cull the bigger pumpkin, but if there are more secondaries behind the second one, d likely go with that. Those stem spits and cracks are common, usually not an issue as they scar over.

So, what did you do? Which one did you keep?

7/17/2019 4:32:52 PM

Vancouver Island, British Columbia

Hi Glenn and thanks for your help!
There is only one secondary on one side and 2 on the other side (behind the smaller one)..... I broke one ugh

I also have been leaning toward keeping the smaller one, it’s only about 5 days behind.

I decided to wait till Saturday when the weather warms up (25c) to cull.
It’s been really unseasonably cold for this time of year up in CR

I have a theory that the pumpkin will be more flexible when it warms up…and less apt to break.
I’m picturing lots xtra pressure gong into the small one after culling the big one.

Thanks again for your help Glenn!

7/17/2019 9:20:55 PM

Mill Bay, British Columbia

Good idea. I’ll be updating my diary in a few days with our first fruit at day 20. I’ve also got 2 fruit on the plant, but will be culling the backup soon also.

Weather wise, it’s been great in Mill Bay except for a few cool nights. The days have been warm and humid, definitely a warmer spot than the hills of North Vancouver.

7/17/2019 10:12:45 PM

Vancouver Island, British Columbia

Well Glenn, I just couldn’t wait and culled the bigger of the 2.
As soon as I did it I knew it was the right choice. Good advise!

Sure glad you’ve been having better weather than us, but ours is on its way!!

7/18/2019 6:13:54 PM