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Grittyville, WA

What is the first thing you can observe that may truly correlate to a bigger pumpkin?

Germination speed, initial leaf size, young plant size... The hardest thing to monitor is root system size, but maybe some growers would give that their vote?

My vote would be vine speed/ rate of growth of the vine, or perhaps the plant's resilience against wilting/ability to handle stress.

Prior to measuring the actual pumpkin itself, what is the first clue a plant has what it takes to be a pb, or is on track for something special?

[Last edit: 04/18/24 10:29:51 PM]

4/18/2024 7:59:56 AM

Bethlehem CT

good question! I would love to hear what growers responses are. For me I don't even think about early signs. I start to get exciited once I get a pumpkins to stick and it exhibits a good shape.

4/18/2024 2:28:55 PM

Grittyville, WA

I asked Joel about his 2363, whether there was anything different about that plant besides the size of the pumpkin. He said there wasnt. You'd think there'd be some little clue early on, like a puppy's paws. Maybe there isnt.

4/18/2024 10:28:21 PM

Syracuse, NY

The 2003 Haist was a beast from the get-go in 2020 for me (larger than any other seedling). It grew my PB of 940.6 and was very aggressive all season. I had one section of the plant dedicated to creating cross-only seeds (my '50' (Seed X (2003 X 301.5 Gerry))) and '51' (Seed Y (2003 X 20 Gerry '10)). Maybe I should grow it again right now, having these flashbacks of it, lol---So, I guess, initial seedling vigor is of interest, butt I won't live by it, although is is exciting! eg

4/19/2024 12:16:34 AM

Germany

Decent speed of germination, nice leaf size and color, vigorous plant growth...may eventually make you decide to go with a plant that is actually sterile (and is programmed to produce salad only). Have had this happen in the past more than just once. Therefore, I prefer to plant two plants per spot and to wait and see what the first male looks like. If they have pollen, then I continue with the stronger plant.

4/27/2024 5:13:49 PM