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Sage, Arkansas

The 4kids and I are wondering if there is a correlation with the number of lobes and the potential of a pumpkins size? We are always hearing a pumpkin is 4 or 5 lobe.....if you could germinte either which one would it be and why? Thanks....the 4kids and I are on mission to break the Arkansas State record of 684lbs next year...trying to get out ducks in a row...

12/23/2009 11:26:56 PM

Ham Lake, Minnesota

No difference. Health of your plant and position of fruit on the vine are much more important. Five of the ten largest pumpkins on record had just four lobes and some had more.

12/23/2009 11:47:38 PM

Rhode Island

four and five segment pumpkins are what you are looking for. occasionally a three segment will show up but i would not keep any. occasionally a six segment will develop and this is ok to keep .
these segments represent future seed pockets inside the fruit. we dont keep threes because no one has had much success growing them out to anything special.

12/24/2009 8:06:29 AM

Bemidji Minnesota

I made a dumb mistake last year, and opted for a 5 lober, when earlier I had a 4 lober growing faster. I had to kick myself in the rear for that one. Worst part is now the boot is stuck until next year! ;p

12/24/2009 1:42:01 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

Sorta think, someone did a research project on 3,4,5,6 lobed pkns...and the conclusion was...not enough info on 3 or 6 lobed pollinations...and that 4 lobed pollinations did better in smaller growing areas, and 5 lobed in larger!!! This could all be theoretical tho!!! As, I think the input was rather limited!!! Interesting tho!!! Peace, Wayne
PS...if I ever get a 6 lober to pollinate, I will prbly try and keep it!!!

12/24/2009 6:25:06 PM

Denver, CO

Here is a link to some data gathering I did about two years ago on the subject. Suprising results for me.

http://www.bigpumpkins.com/MsgBoard/ViewThread.asp?b=3&p=240782

Basically, either 4 or 5 lobe plants are capable of producing a world record pumpkin. BUT, 4 lobe plants need to be bigger then thier 5-lobe counter parts to acheive the same overall weight.

hope it helps!

12/24/2009 6:43:19 PM

Sage, Arkansas

Great information! Thanks for all the reply's. Brian and the 4kids

12/24/2009 8:28:44 PM

Rhode Island

what you definately dont want is pumpkins with small seeds attached to the lobes.not a good sign . id rather pass these up when at all possible

12/25/2009 8:02:46 AM

Washington

We kept a 3 lobe fruit in 2009. The pumpkin was trouble free and very solid. It weighed in at 933 pounds 100+ pounds over the chart weight. It produced 367 seeds.

12/26/2009 10:04:01 PM