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Hello everyone!
This is my 2nd year growing pumpkins and I am having some problems! Last year I grew some great looking plants, but no female flowers appeared until about 2 weeks before the first frost. I thought the soil may be poor or there was too little light in that area. Well we ended up moving, and the soil here looed even poorer than at the last house so I tried planting the pumpkins in large pots. Each pot is about 3 feet deep and has about 60 pounds of potting soin in it. Yet I am having the same problem. I live in Aurora CO, and this summer has been very very hot. The plants have been stressed nearly everyday. I have been watering them every other day. The large leaves all died off from heat I am assuming. So I have been fertilizing them and watering, and I still have NO female flowers at all. The vines have only grow out about 3 feet from the base. I am getting discouraged! Is the heat to blame? Is Colorado just not the place to grow pumpkins??? Any input would be appreciated! The vines look great now, nice and green, they are just short and have no pumpkins on them!

Thanks!

8/14/2002 7:11:44 PM

Ontario, Canada

Only offering my personal observation.

I am growing two plants and I found that the more "male" flowers I cut off, more "females" appeared. This was after I had a fertalized female.

8/14/2002 8:58:01 PM

Menomonie, WI (mail@gr8pumpkin.net)

I dont believe you will ever get an Atlantic Giant to produce a pumpkin growing it a pot. The male are some time brought on by stress on the plant.

8/15/2002 12:22:36 AM

In the shade - PDX, OR

Hello - Sorry to hear about your situation.
1) Pots are definately not the way to grow pumpkins. The plant is now root bound & they have no where else to grow. Since they are in containers you should water at least EVERY day if not twice.

2) Due to the stress I don't think your plant will throw a female even if you fertilize. You can try 'bloom buster' or a fert that is higher in phosphorus.

When you call it quits for the season, tip your container over and check out the root system.

8/15/2002 1:31:46 AM

Rexburg, Idaho (brianchristensenmd@gmail.com )

Typically an AG won't produce a female until 6-10 feet away from the stump. With 3 foot vines I'm not surpized you havn't found a female yet. I'd put some flowers in the pots and find some real soil for the AG's.

8/15/2002 8:04:08 AM

Thanks for the info. But I am not trying to grow any giants, just regular old pumpkins. Problem with planting in the ground here is the poor soil/very compact ground. I am going to do dig up a spot next year and try to fill it in with good top soil. But that will have to wait until next year.

The soil here in Colorado is basically compacted sand! Well in my backyard anyway! ;)

8/15/2002 2:30:00 PM

porterville, calif.

Use raised beds. Start this year and build up the beds. Add all of the organic mater you can find . Add leaves , grasss clippings , manure etc. You can grow them on raised beds, just keep at it... Greg

8/17/2002 7:59:04 PM