Growing GIANT Pumpkins

One of the biggest challenges in gardening is remember to plant when it is time well in advance of the rewards of the crop.  Pumpkins fits this category very well.  I never think of planting until September or October...but NOW is the time to plant.   Thanks to our resident master gardener, Susan Chadwick and a friend of hers, we have the scoop on how to grow great pumpkins.  While you may not be able to grow a record 1000 pounder (we don't have enough daylight hours), you may grow one approaching 100 lbs.  Here's some ideas to make your pumpkin garden a success...and be sure to include the kids, they will love it!

A June planting date will get you ripe pumpkins on the vine - about 85-160 days after planting.  Seed germination can be a problem so you may want to germinate the seeds in a wet paper towel or a small pot of potting soil to be sure that you have a viable plant.  Plant 4-6 seeds or tranplant a single plant every 6 feet about 8 feet apart.  You need lots of room for pumpkin as vines can grow up to 50 feet long!  Thin plants if more than 1 or 2 seeds germinate.  Pumpkins like very loose soil so you may want to build a mound with plenty of tilthy soil.  Fertilize with a complete fertilizer and light on the nitrogen!  Fertilize at planting and side dress monthly.

Arrange the vine like a Christmas tree allowing the primary and secondary shoots to grow but trimming off all third vines.

For ensuring maximum yield (size), you may want to help pollination along.  The female flower has a small nodule on the stem just below the petals.  When the male and femal flowers are open (you can use flowers from different plants), pick the male flower and brushed inside the female flower.  You can even leave the male flower inside the female closing the female's petals around the male flower.  This wraps it all up and keeps bees and beetles from interrupting the process!

You will want the vines to curve in an "S" shape to allow some slack as the pumpking grows.  If the vine comes under too much pressure, it can break and all is lost!

Once the pumpkins are growing, cover them with a light sheet to keep them from sunburning.  Always take around the vines as they are very fragile.