From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Fresno, CA

I have applied some advice from pap on taking care of a pumpkin that got a crack then rot on blossom end. I carved away some rot and then applied sulfur powder and a fan to that end. It looks like the rot has stopped and the fruit might make it. I am wondering if a fruit has stopped growing like mine but is still on the vine and has a 'repair' like this if it can still make it to a fair a month or more later. Does it need to stay on the vine a certain number of days to help it scar up over the cut away area in order to ensure it will last longer or not get other invasive problems like bugs. I am keeping it on the vine for now in hopes it will scar up and/or it won't lose weight.

(previous forum discussion = http://www.bigpumpkins.com/msgboard/ViewThread.asp?b=3&p=362082.

9/19/2010 12:59:45 AM

Ohio

Trail, what I usually do if this happens to me is,, only if the vine can stretch far enough, I will put mine in the refrigerator in the basement, but make sure you, or you spouse dont accidently close the basement door all the way, hang a sign on the door if you have to for a reminder, but if you forget (like I have one time) you will sever the vine in half and all your hard work will be for nothing.

But if that fails and this cant be done because the vine isn't quite long enough, leave it on the vine and make sure the wound stays dry and cover the pumpkin with a sheet, if it is dry then you will be in good shape.

9/19/2010 4:29:35 AM

The bottom of New Jersey

I agree, keep it on the vine and keep the pumpkin as dry as possible. I have one that stopped growing on August 10th that is still hanging in there on the vine. It had a big stem and shoulder crack at the time that has healed, but I have had to scrape away small soft spots on the stem a couple of times. I pour a little peroxide on the spot after the soft tissue has been scraped away, and the peroxide seems to help it dry up and scar over quickly. Good luck.

9/19/2010 8:52:13 AM

Upa Creek, MO

I had one about 30 lbs I culled over 2 months ago (on accident) and found a borer in it 2 days after I removed it from the vine. I removed the borer that was about an 1/2 inch in the pumpkin, treated it, and it is just starting to show small signs of rotting last week. Like these guys said, keep it on the vine and you should be good!

Luke

9/19/2010 9:31:11 PM