From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Minneapolis, MN

So I'll do my best to keep this short.

I planted 3 plants - a bit too early and they died back due to the cold. 2 (plant A and plant C) started to come back so I yanked the one that completely died and replaced it with a backup (plant B).

Over the next 2 weeks:
Plant A got too 'tall' before 'vining' and when it tipped over the vine went 'flat' and split roughly at the ground. A 2-3" split down the vine. I covered the vine with dirt.
Plant B did the same, but also twisted - it was literally only holding together by a few fibers. I covered the vine with dirt.
Plant C simply grew, no splits or problems I could see... I covered as much as I could with dirt.


Here, a 2-3 weeks or so later...
Plant A is the largest, despite the split. And looks very healthy (though the vine is a bit yellow looking)
Plant B is the second largest, despite the fact it's basically disconnected at the main ground contact. About 75% the size of A.
Plant C is still just growing... it's about 1/3 the size of plant A, however.


Over the last weekend, plant A grew like an entire foot or two. By next week or so, I'll need to cull off and put my money on one of the plants. I can't really see any of the vines now due to them being buried.

Thoughts? Do I go with the fastest growing plant, even though I know it's got a problem? Do I go with the slow-growing plant due to the better vine condition?

This is my first year, I'd appreciate the help and advice...

6/14/2009 11:32:08 PM

Huntsburg,Ohio

Joe i would go with A if it looks to be the strongest and best plant of the 3. You can still grow a big one with no stump. Just keep burring the vines and you will get a good root system going. So go with A i would have to say.

6/14/2009 11:48:37 PM

Menomonie, WI ([email protected])

Joe you have to go with your gut...sort of like picking a puppy out..once you pick it. It is yours for the season. Healthiest, Leaf size, Vine Pattern, put names in a hat

6/15/2009 7:59:36 AM

Minneapolis, MN

Thanks guys...

Trouble is, my gut says "go with the obvious-no-problem" plant... yet it's growing at a rate that is WAY slower than the "obviously had a problem at one point" plants.

6/15/2009 4:32:46 PM

Bloomington, IN

Sometimes you just have to take a gamble. Plant A is doing great despite its problem, while Plant C isn't doing as great despite being problem free. If it were me I'd go with plant A, but like Linus said its up to you.

6/16/2009 1:13:05 PM

Eastern Pennsylvania

Plant A

6/16/2009 1:49:01 PM

Bemidji Minnesota

I'd keep plant A. Splits parallel with the vine do not hurt the vascular system that much, and being that is is the most vigorous plant, I would keep that one.

Sure the C plant has little damage, but if it is showing the slowest growth, then what happens if it gets any damage?

While with A, it is still the most agressive, AND you know she can take a hit and keep on marching.

I would keep plant A, and the yellowing of the vine could just be the vine color. From what I have seen, yellow vine tends to have more dark orange pumpkins, actually a GOOD thing.

6/16/2009 9:09:12 PM

Minneapolis, MN

Thanks guys - super helpful.

I'll probably cull this weekend (we'll see how we survive the hail tonight first) ... but plant A has grown about 4-5 feet in the past 4 days, whereas plant C is really not any larger than it was last week. I'm going with A. ;)

6/18/2009 10:03:44 AM