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Littlerock, WA

My field pumpkin is 80% orange. There is a weigh-off tomorrow, and another in a month. Once they start turning orange, are they at maximum weight, or could it start packing on more pounds with the recent hot weather we've been having?

9/9/2011 12:59:50 AM

Littlerock, WA

The reason I ask is because I want to know so if it is still growing, I keep it on the vine until next month.

9/9/2011 1:01:02 AM

Muddy Waters

Once its orange I would harvest & store in a cool dry place like a basement!NO Garages they heat up with the sun.leave a foot of vine on each side of stem if possible!It will keep 1 month or longer in a shaded cool spot!!the north side of a house is a good place ,but keep her dry!Good Luck!!It could gain weight internally,but it could rot,if you leave on plant keep her watered,if the plant needs water it might take it from the fruit!

9/9/2011 6:32:16 AM

Lexington, Ky

It's been my experience (using bathroom scales) that my field pumpkins don't lose weight after turning orange while still attached to the vine. Conversely, they don't gain weight either. My scales are good either side of .5 pounds so any gain/loss that I may have is negligible.

9/9/2011 10:08:07 AM

Menomonie, WI ([email protected])

They keep better left on the vine....Cover it and protect it.. Keep it dry... Wipe it weekly with a 10:1 water bleach solution or a lysol wipe.

A plant will not steal water from a fruit... not physically possible....

9/9/2011 1:35:46 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

Great advice, Linus!!! Peace, Wayne

9/11/2011 1:03:36 AM