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milford, CT,

I need a little advice....I have a fruit that has a 2" stem...it is growing very well but I have concerns about the stem length. Personally If I get another set before the 15th this one is gone but if I have to grow it out I'd love some advice!!! Mark

7/11/2008 2:27:28 PM

Preston CT

Maybe cut off the vine after the pumpkin if you have enough plant behind it.

7/11/2008 2:38:47 PM

Nova Scotia

http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=88832 check this out. I feel confident that I'll still get a biggy

7/11/2008 2:50:42 PM

Minnesota([email protected])

Mark,
Cutting the the vine after the pumpkin is one option. Otherwise curving the vine so it will curve away from the pumpkin's shoulders is another option. If you set another pumpkin, it may have a short stem as well. Personally I'd like to exhaust all options before giving up on a fruit that's growing "very well".

7/11/2008 3:11:18 PM

Washington

Making a u with the vine as much as possible and keeping it a loose as you can from pumpkin to stump will help. We have had many short stemmed pumpkins with no problems. While they are small you can often gently push them towards the stump to give you some slack. Emphasis on GENTLY!
Sherry

7/11/2008 3:17:17 PM

milford, CT,

Thanks guys,...It is my first set and it would be tough to cut the main at 16 ft...I have another one coming up in a day or 2 ...If I have to go the cut the main route I'll do it on that pumpkin. I just was at Dave Garrell's place and helped him with a similar pumpkin ..we did exactly what you said..loosened the vine and set up a v-shape to the stem. I'll have to decide in the next few days where I'm going with this one. It's a cross that I can't not make (1450 Wallace x 998 Pukos) so I need to get a fruit to maturity. I'm growing out this years crosses next year. Mark

7/12/2008 11:38:12 AM