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Pittsburgh

how do i know exactly when i should cut the vine after the stem. the shoulder of the pumpkin is now touching the vine. the vine still has about a 1/2 give when you move it. should i cut it now or wait a little longer? Thanks.

8/14/2009 11:34:50 AM

Bemidji Minnesota

I asked a similar question in a thread just south of this one, so I would like to know too.

I am not sure when to cut it, but I know "how to", and that is by cutting halfway through one day, then the other half the next. Pap says it reduces shock.

Here is the situation mine is in: http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=116801

I'm just not sure if I need to yet, as there are still 3 burried root nodes past it, and the vine is already topped. The vine near the stem is cleared on both sides 2 nodes down, and in a "U" formation, so I don't even know if I should at this point.

8/14/2009 11:40:33 AM

Bristol R.I. USA

I had to cut my main vine early in the season due to stem stress. I lost some weight at first but later it seemed that the pumpkin continued to grow at an even pace. You have to decide if your gonna risk it.I did and I was as apprehensive as you. I'd cut it ASAP. You never know how things can go wrong I'd hate to see all your hard work be for nothing.

8/14/2009 12:43:05 PM

Bemidji Minnesota

Oops, made a little mistake.

I intended to make a half cut today, and another tomarrow, but accidentaly cut right through the vine.

One the plus side, I did not accidentaly cut into the stem or side of the vine I want to keep.

Lets keep the fingers crossed and pray I did not put her into shock.

If all goes well I have no concerns about stem stress for the rest of the season.

8/14/2009 2:16:02 PM

Bristol R.I. USA

I believe that a drastic change like that will cause shock to the plant. At least thats what happened to my hog. I believe that after the plant has time to get used to it it will continue to make gains. I'm glad you decided to reduce the stem stress. Now you don't have to worry about finding the fruit severed from the vine. Good luck!

8/14/2009 2:35:02 PM

Bemidji Minnesota

Thanks Kenny, there are some pics in my diary, they should be viewable in a few hours.

http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryView.asp?season=2009&grower=43894&action=L

I really hope that she will keep on growing, or resume rapid growth within a short amount of time.

8/14/2009 3:50:35 PM

PacificNW

I shaved the inside of the vine along the kin every day for a week or more, buying a few more days before it had to come all the way off. Just a thought.

8/14/2009 9:15:49 PM

Bemidji Minnesota

Too late for that now, in my patch at least. I did not intend earlier for it to go right through. However, if it recovers from the shock, or it is minimal, then I am good to go.

As it was the section of vine was already topped, and only had 4 leaves, with only 3 of them rooted. So it is not like it lost a huge part of plant past it. I hope that works in my favor.

8/15/2009 12:26:39 AM

Dummer Twp - Ontario

I cut all mine off at the pumpkin and have had good results, last year I grew 15 feet past fruit and ended up with stem crack issues so I will use this method from now on, it also lets you get at the fruit easier I think.

Kirk

8/15/2009 7:14:44 AM