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Williamsburg,KY

Well, here is a pic of the one that got away.
http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=137816
I just couldnt believe it. I would like to know why this happened. I kept the soil moist and it never dried out. I did not over water. When I used any type of fertilizer, I used half strength. I didnt cut too many secondaries at one time. We did have lots of hot days, many 90-100 temps..and a big rain on Friday, of at just a tad more than 1/2 inch of rain, the split occured on Saturday. Any advise so it doesnt happen to my other one in the same patch??? Thanks for all replies and sympathy.

7/11/2010 1:36:59 PM

Las Cruces NM

Was probably combination of rain and genes, that is, a sudden change in water input with a pumpkin prone to blossem end splits (i.e., genes). It happens so don't know what to tell you, but there is a saying, if your not blowing them, your not growing them. I would take that as a complement to say you are doing the right things. Hope other chime in, but sorry to see it happen!

7/11/2010 2:04:40 PM

Upa Creek, MO

Sorry to hear about that. At least you have more. I'd maybe cut back on the fertilizer. Everything I have read states slow and steady wins the race. Good luck.

7/11/2010 3:03:03 PM

Pataskala,OH

Relax you still have 3+ months to grow another. You don't want a bird bath anyways. Splitting can be caused by both over or under fertilization I have noticed IMHO. Especially a lack or excess of potassium or lack of calcium. My big one split last year from potassium deficiency(very thin walls) I have a low dose of fertilizer every time I water to avoid periods of excess or under fertilization.

7/11/2010 3:09:13 PM

British Columbia, Canada

Heck, who said some of us don't want a bird bath?

7/11/2010 3:28:05 PM

Middle TN

Aww man that sucks big time! Theres still time, best of luck on the next one :)
Tammy

7/11/2010 3:57:23 PM

Colorado

That shape is prone to doing just what it did.The pumpkin gods didnt want that one to make it.You aint growing unless some are blowing

7/11/2010 6:03:56 PM

Pataskala,OH

Well you and me are in the same boat. My 13 day old pumpkin looks like it is aborting now no growth last night. :( Was going to put mill fabric under it today.

7/11/2010 7:28:56 PM

Fresno, CA

I feel for you cuz I'm in the same boat. Good luck with the next one. Keep misting and icing and hope the next pollination takes.

7/11/2010 8:53:02 PM

Corbin, KY

Really sorry you lost such a great growing fruit. Get you another pollinated on a side. Good chance you can get a decent fruit. Allardt TN weigh off is in Oct.

7/11/2010 9:40:11 PM

Fresno, CA

Nic, do you have a recommendation for calcium to help with the splitting issue. The only calcium product I have right now is the stuff you put on tomatoes for blossom end rot, which also has to do with moisture variability in the soil.

7/12/2010 1:49:55 AM

Owensboro, Ky.

E, Trail...ExtPkn Store, has a calcium product!!! or two. I think? Peace, Wayne

7/12/2010 2:14:07 AM

Waquoit Mass

welcome to AG growing

7/12/2010 7:45:38 AM

Williamsburg,KY

Thanks so much for giving encouragement and sympathy. This was my first big split..guess there will be more to come if I keep growing AG's. Hopefully I will still have a chance to break my personal best. I have one at about day 25 and one at day 6 and one Im waiting to open. Im sure Im not the only one and I too feel sorrow for anyone that loses their pride and joy. In case you want to see more pics, I did post some of the inside, a split ready to happen and what I did to the main vine. There are three pictures.

http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=138123

7/12/2010 8:20:57 PM

Midwest

Sorry CB, happened to me last year... Same shape (birdbath). The blossoms don't grow right on BBs, they thin out and all the growing goes to the shoulders. Keep your head up! Season is really still in its infancy!

7/13/2010 1:29:29 AM

San Luis Obispo, Ca.

doh!

7/14/2010 12:09:43 PM