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Any opinions on whether there are more pumpkins aborting or lobes malformed the closer to the stump they are. Is this less likey the further out the female is? What are your personal experiences with this?

7/11/2013 5:20:05 PM

Winston-Salem, NC

Disclaimer: this is my first year growing pumpkins.

I have a prizewinner at about 4' from the stump. Most definitely not ideal, but it is toward 60 pounds I would guess.

7/11/2013 6:29:24 PM

Colorado

I think there may be a higher abort% real close in (6 feet or less) after that its weather and genetics.Plants that are problem setters often will set fruit in august when its toooo late.

7/11/2013 6:49:28 PM

Simi valley, ca

I have formed a opinion about this, & yes i do think they will abort closer to stump,& up to 12 ft out or more, Because the plant is not as rooted & established when younger,not as able to keep them when hot! & too much nitrogen would affect a smaller plant more than a bigger one could absorb, Proof is in the 1381 i am growing now! as all my first pumpkins aborted & now they are aLL STAYING, & some of first pumpkins were pollinated at lower temp too , & some of my late pollination were in heat with little protection !

7/11/2013 9:29:40 PM

Central Minnesota

My first female or two usually tend to be the deformed seedy type. Not always but it seems more likely to happen inside 12 ft more often.

7/11/2013 11:04:37 PM

Connecticut

Personally opinion, when a plant is small it "knows" that it can not support continued vine+root growth and a pumpkin so it aborts the female flowers. Once the plant has developed adequate plant supporting reserves the odds of setting increase. Late in the season plants seem to set very easily as they are fully mature. Just my thoughts.

7/11/2013 11:47:29 PM

Webster, NY

That might have been the case this year. All my earlier females aborted, but at 15 feet, I have one pollinated and growing. I thought it was too much rain, or too much nitrogen, but it might have been not enough plant.

7/12/2013 6:09:58 AM