2006-07-24 22:17:33 · 7 answers · asked by clairehb0 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Other - Home & Garden
If you want ONLY a few pumpkins to harvest. Start plucking/picking some of those flowers off. That way the VINE will only have to set one or 2 pumpkins instead of several.
2006-07-24 22:31:28 · answer #1 · answered by jennifersuem 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
its all about directing the energy into the pumpkin, sounds like you have large healthy plants so now is time to start
pollinate the female flower which is the furthest out on the MAIN VINE. do this as soon as it opens in morning ideally at 70-75oF using at least three male flowers.( Most growers cover the flowers to stop the bees getting in) DO THIS NOW TIME IS RUNNING OUT most fertilize between 1st july-23rd
the main vine should then be allowed to grow another 12-15 foot then stopped.
side (secondary)shoots should be stopped at 10 foot.
remove all shoots coming from secondarys as they steal energy.
IMPORTANT bury all vines, at base of leaf a root will appear and these are essential for the big pumpkins you should have been doing this from the start. water the whole plant so these secondary roots take hold and do their job.
KEEP THE PUMPKIN IN SHADE, not the whole plant only the fruit this prevents skin from hardening and allows faster and better growth. ( a home made tent is best)
ideally the pumpkin should be perpendicular to the vine to stop it squashing the vine as it swells, move a LITTLE each day until it is(i hate this bit in case i snap it off)
Limit to one pumpkin per plant
feed with high potassium fertilizer and spray with pesticide if needed.
2006-07-26 04:16:42 · answer #2 · answered by onapizzadiet 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you truly want to grow giant pumpkins , you need giant pumpkin seeds ... Go to about any reliable seed source, and order
" Dill's Atlantic Giant " they come with directions on how to grow a monster pumpkin... They work .. we grew one here , that topped out at just over 600 lbs. They need LOTS of fertilizer , and good, composted soil to grow in ; but , its not hard, and its a LOT of fun !
Good Luck !
2006-07-24 22:32:03 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
a deep trench should be dug or rather the soil should be tested with a PH test kit. I believe these aren't overly expensive so please consider. consider the mulching, manure, peat or soil to be placed in your designated giant pumpkin spot. search the internet or visit a previous winner for the seeds which have won previous contests. either way, try to get the best! i suppose if your horticultural minded then i need not explain how to grow vegetables, but needless to say one should mention the inside tips to success; i.e mulching sheeting, water irrigation, fertilizer quantitive measures, time increments, beer (special) and security, even guarding from pests such as slugs and snails...
2006-07-24 22:31:56 · answer #4 · answered by ABC 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
do not pluck the flowers off that is the start of a pumkin if you want big ones you have to start with the right seed for growing big ones.Dill's Atlantic Giant they will get to be 400-500 lbs another good one is Wyatt's Wonder they can get 200 lbs. pumkins will spread they need alot of room to grow
2006-07-25 03:52:12 · answer #5 · answered by Bighorn 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to cut down the amount of flowers to encourage the plant to put all it's energy into two or three pumpkins, regular watering and feeding, and don't forget to talk to them!
2006-07-24 22:38:59 · answer #6 · answered by Breeze 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don,t know who pumpkin is but that,s not important,because you can,t grow giants they only exist in fairy tales.
2006-07-28 07:14:57 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋