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Bristol R.I. USA

I've heard the argument on Calcium soaked towels. Many people use them when they feel the pumpkin is growing at a fast pace. I've heard that the fruit in no way absorbs any calcium through the skin or fruit body at all. does anyone think differently about this and are there any studies that say different. I've never had a blossom end split.( Knock on Wood)However I have had some stem splits that where superficial,I didn't know that until retiving the seeds from the pumpkin. I did add Calcium soaked towels to the Blossom end and haven't had any issues thus far. I've been told that a stronger blossom traits have been bred into the pumpkins genetics and have little issue do to the attention given to such catastrophic mishaps. Anyone still use the method of stuffing a calcium soaked towel in the blossom end
And is it just all a myth or does it have scientific value to it. what's your expiriences with this?

1/25/2011 12:03:39 PM

Wilmington.Ma.

I used calcium towels on the whole kin.
All I found was it kept thr skin soft so yti could expand
a little easer. Just my thoughts!

1/25/2011 2:56:08 PM

Parts Unknown

I use calcium towels. Still have had blossom end splits. Agree that it helps keep skin soft. Not sure if it is worth the effort. I've heard that calcium helps harden apples so some of us in NH figured it would help AGs. Would like more evidence on the use of this product. On the down side spraying the leaves with calicum seems to attract aphides.

1/25/2011 6:53:11 PM

Western NY

placebo.

1/25/2011 8:57:54 PM

Bristol R.I. USA

I thought the same thing Andy.

1/26/2011 12:46:55 PM

Garden State Pumpkins

I sort of agree Andy......but at the time we'd tried anything to get that pumpkin!!! lol....read How to grow giant pumpkins 1 and 2....2500 sq ft etc...

see the family is doing great!!! God Bless em all!!
Chuck

1/26/2011 6:20:49 PM

Deer Park, WI

Calcium is best administered through the roots.

1/26/2011 9:48:55 PM