From

Location

Message

Date Posted

I have a question about crossing AG's. I understand people cross to try and take the best traits from each pumpkin to form a new seed (like a big pale oval kin with a smaller round orange kin. My big question is why do growers who are just looking for maximum size cross two pumpkins? I mean if I had a 1725 Harp wouldn't it be better to self pollinate if I was just going for size or I am missing something like inbreeding amongst plants. Thanks and am anxious to know as I have often wondered why people cross when they are looking for just size.

8/17/2011 8:30:39 AM

Stanwood, Washington

If your just going for size it doesn't make any difference what you pollinate with. The genetics of the polinator do not show up until the next generation. So If you had the 1725 harp and you pollinated it with a 500 pound pumpkin it would have the same size and shape as if you self pollinated it.

8/17/2011 2:21:38 PM