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Eugene, OR

Hey all, I need some advice. I have two plants in a single greenhouse and the time has come to make a choice. The first plant is an 869.5 Calai. It's currently 5-6 ft. long and growing well with no signs of mutations or problems.

The second is a 1041 McKie. The 1041 is 4-5 ft long despite being a week younger than the 869 Calai. However, it started out as a double, went back to a single, and has been going back and forth between a double and a single so far. Like the 869, it is also a fast grower and seems to be healthy.

I'm a sucker for orange and like the fact that the 869 has been trouble free but I think the 1041 McKie has the potential to pop a big one under the right conditions. I worry about it showing signs of being a double vine though so the choice is tough.

If you were in my shoes, which would you keep?

Brian

6/3/2009 8:53:12 PM

Eastern Washington State

Brian, this is a choice only you can make. Seems like you almost have a pretty bird in hand vs bigger bird in the bush choice. Maybe a few of the more experienced growers can weigh in on the odds of a 'switcher' like your 1041 making good on it's genetics. Good luck!

Brian in Washington

6/3/2009 9:03:59 PM

Eastern Washington State

Oh, FWIW I would keep the Calai, because I'm not greatly fixated on size, and have the mentality that 'if it isn't orange, it isn't a pumpkin."
B

6/3/2009 9:05:33 PM

Utah

If it's the 1041 you bought from my project's auction... I'd go with the 1041 due to how much you paid for that seed. You must like big or you wouldn't have bought it.

I don't know anything about double vines though I must say...

6/3/2009 10:46:21 PM

Denver, CO

The 869.5 Calai has a top off-spring of 1161 (Holland) in 126 listed offspring. The 1041.5 has a top wieght of 1631.5 with 6 more pumpkins over the 1161 top wieght of the 869.5 Calai, AND has only 35 listed offspring.

Without any doubt, the 1041 is one of the most capable seeds out there of "poping a big one". 17% of its offspring have been over 1200 pounds.

If you think you can controll the double vining issue, I would grow it to a new world record and find someone nearby you growing an orange to cross it with.

6/3/2009 11:27:51 PM

Upstate S.C.

If your wanting something pretty to look at give me your address and I'll send you a self portrait. If your trying to grow a world record the 1041 is a no brainer.

6/3/2009 11:54:09 PM

Yuba City, Ca.

Since both are of nice length, is it poosible to up root one of them at a rooted leaf node and replant it else where? Clone like? it will allow you to grow both-

6/4/2009 12:30:39 AM

Rhode Island

since you asked? see the troopers reply. hes right on target
time has come for people to move on to the better genetics. dont get caught in the past . with pumpkins ya cant go "back to the future"
in its day everyone loved the 869.5 because of its color and at the time - size.

6/4/2009 5:25:15 AM

Puyallup, WA

It all depends on your "value system". No one (with any brains) will criticize your decision.

6/4/2009 1:00:10 PM

Minnesota([email protected])

Well said Stan.

6/4/2009 1:37:42 PM

Eastern Pennsylvania

as an orange lover I never had that much faith in the 869.5 to be honest. Some offspring were great looking but it is no guarantee. I would sway towards the 1041.

6/4/2009 1:57:24 PM

So. Maine

Brian , is there any way you could make room for the both of them ??? AL

6/5/2009 12:00:11 AM

Eugene, OR

Thank you all for your suggestions. I had to make a decision so I stuck with the 869.5 Calai. Granted, it's an old seed and may not have the size potential that the 1041 McKie does but I was worried about the 1041 double or ribbon vining on me considering it has already shown those signs. I'm only growing two plants this year so I couldn't take that chance.

The 869 Calai was generously given to me to grow so it will keep on growing. Best of luck to you all this year and good luck to you with your bees Josh!

6/6/2009 4:48:13 PM

Woburn, MA.

I am a sucker for orange too so I like your choice but, pulling a 1041 Mckie wouldn't be easy. Good Luck!

6/6/2009 10:02:30 PM

Minnesota([email protected])

Good luck Brian....I hope she grows a big, shiny orange one for you!

6/7/2009 1:17:18 PM