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Ontario

I looked in the search functions. Hundreds of results, and yet I couldn't find a single list of the actually measurements. Or any mention of a set of benchmarks being created since 2008. I saw so many old diary entries saying "ahead of benchmarks" or "behind benhcmarks" but not 1 complete list of what they are.
I did manage to find 1 list of 1200 benchmarks in a message thread, but the OTT numbers it gives has current estimator saying it's day 60 is 1200...
So here's my question. I know that 1000 and 1200 benchmarks exist from 15-20 years ago, do 1400,1500,1600,1800,2k etc exist? Or even a redone version of 1000 and 1200 based on current growth patterns and ott charts? If so does anyone have the numbers for them?

6/28/2025 1:32:35 PM

Grittyville, WA

Everyone has their own benchmarks from past years? Well, I know theres more on bp, maybe search 'growth curve'. But the main benchmark you need is your best pounds per day. Multiply that by 40 and thats your final weight. Its pretty darn accurate. If the Patons hit 80 lbs per day and make it to the finish line, which they will... :), it will be 3,200 lbs. But I also know that they, and others, have posted their growth stats in the past. 300-600 is a good day 30. I think 80-150 is a good day 20? Mine will be 40 lbs at day 20 if I'm lucky! But over here they generally start slow but finish well. I'm not sure there is a universally used benchmark.

[Last edit: 06/28/25 6:58:42 PM]

6/28/2025 6:55:29 PM

Ontario

Well, there had been a list that Joe Ailts and Russ Landry had made back in 2008, and I'd found that list where they compiled data from 100s of (at the time) top pumpkins to get a 1200 pound benchmark list.
I should've been more clear, I was looking for a list where someone had calculated using numerous fruit an average required weight at various days.
But yes, I would tend to agree that 80+ for day 20, and 300+ for day 30 are fine benchmarks, but for what? Is that a 1000 pounder (probably) is it a 2000 pounder (at the high end of your suggestions maybe). Idk about the ×40 thing. It's probably true in the "middle" but extremes (large or small) probably don't follow quite the same pattern. Maybe though, I'll definitely look at that in 20 days when I'm just passing the peak.

6/28/2025 10:03:38 PM

Grittyville, WA

The Patons past diaries should provide some good data. Some other growers have posted a lot of data. Mobeymike and Rodebaugh were even posting exact data rather than estimates. But I don't think anyone has broadly compiled it.

If you do want to try the x40 rule, the pumpkins should hit their max gains between day 30 and 40, so pay attention to the gains during this time. At the end of the season you can check to see if the x40 rule worked for your pumpkin.

6/29/2025 1:02:11 AM

Grittyville, WA

I think 500 on day 30 will probably aim for 2k. Idk. Whatever your numbers are, don't get discouraged. I think my 1600 lber was about 40 lbs on day 20. So then, multiplying that by 2... in theory an 80 lb day 20 could lead to a 3200 lb pumpkin, also?!

6/29/2025 1:15:39 AM

Grittyville, WA

For a lot of growers, 300 at day 20 could also aim for 2k... Sorry for all the posts :)

6/29/2025 1:17:08 AM

Ontario

It's not so much about being discouraged about my numbers, I just want to see where I fall short. Because I'm not anywhere near that 2000 pound mark, I was wondering about lower benchmarks so I can see "hey, I was on pace at day 30, not day 40, what happened?" And since my numbers are do much better (for now) than I've ever had, using my information from previous years won't work

6/29/2025 3:15:27 PM

Trumbull, CT 06611, USA

A great source of information on growth rates are in mostly every single SNGPG newsletter. They interview top growers and they usually share their growth rates and methods. It is very well done.

6/30/2025 9:20:34 AM