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Location

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Date Posted

Grittyville, WA

That extra circle of gunk should peel away also. Just keep the kin dry and protected and watch her grow. Softball size is ok. Cold temps will slow them but you can still end up with a competitive pumpkin.

6/19/2026 12:12:38 PM

Grittyville, WA

Gunk at the base of the stigma. The stigma itself looks fine for now, although a lot of growers will set a fan on low just to be sure the blossom end remains arid enough. Prevention is easier than trying to salvage things after they go wrong.

6/19/2026 12:17:14 PM

Bethlehem CT

the air should dry everything out nicely for you. Like ketchup says a fan never hurts.

6/19/2026 12:44:35 PM

Spencer, MA

Thanks all! So I should go after that gunk ring? I'm worried about getting to close into the pumpkin, but if it's safe to do I'll give it a try.

I also messed up on this forgetting how important it is not to scratch them. I put in a tent stake to start to move it to 90 degrees to the main vine and that made the ever so smallest scratch. All I can do now is hope. This was my first pollination at only 9 feet 8 inches so I'm hoping something more appealing comes along and this can just be my practice fruit.

6/19/2026 11:30:21 PM

Grittyville, WA

That ring of blossom remains should detach easily. Yep, scratch your initials in now... haven't heard of any pumpkin rustling but you sounds like you branded it.

6/20/2026 1:05:27 AM