Allotment Gardening Advice Help Chat

Growing => Grow Your Own => Topic started by: milkman on July 12, 2006, 16:24

Title: GIANT PUMPKIN
Post by: milkman on July 12, 2006, 16:24
Is anyone growing a giant pumpkin this year and what are your top tips for producing a prize winning specimen?  Does size matter or is it all down to weight?
Title: GIANT PUMPKIN
Post by: stompy on July 12, 2006, 17:03
Hi there milkman, i'm growing one, but its not so giant at the momment. :oops:

The leaves seem to be going a bit yellow and its not growing very well.

My butternut squashes are off like crazy, i feed them on the same feed (manure water) out of a dust bin, but my pumpkin isn't getting any bigger nor does it have any flowers.

Hope you are doing better mate. :cry:
Title: GIANT PUMPKIN
Post by: lentil987 on July 12, 2006, 18:13
I'm growing a giant pumpkin plant on my allotment. My daughter has grand ideas of having a huge pumpkin sat at the front door on halloween night!

At the moment I have a few small pumpkins and loads and loads of leaves the plants are going mad!

I water well every day and add seaweed extract every week.

Time will tell if we are successful

Good luck with yours!
Title: GIANT PUMPKIN
Post by: Debz and Jon on July 12, 2006, 19:26
We are growing pumpkins - not sure if they are giant - planted twelve, thank god only four grew - they are taking over!
Title: GIANT PUMPKIN
Post by: Ali on July 12, 2006, 21:57
I love my giant pumpkin, it is my favourite plant. It's huge with lots of mini pumpkins forming. I saw something on the telly last year which said you should feed them beer and chicken manure for prize winning specimens!!  But my butternut squash won't make fruits - very disappointing as I'd rather eat them than pumpkins.
Title: GIANT PUMPKIN
Post by: Oliver on July 12, 2006, 22:12
Quote from: "Ali"
giant pumpkin
The allotments Soc. is having a Biggest Pumpkin Competition again this year. They go for biggest, not heaviest because they can't weigh them (they could be VERY heavy - the world record is somewhere over 1000lbs!!!), so they measure them round the equator and round the pole and add the two measurements together (some pumpkins are flattish and others are tallish). The biggest last year was 400cms:lol: . It was an accidental pumpkin which grew on the compost heap! Ok, it was pretty small as pumpkins go, but it was fun measuring them and having a knees up afterwards.

This year they all had seed from the 'winning' (var: Mammoth) pumpkin. (3 each). Some people hatched one, others none.  Ours is about as big as a tennis ball at the moment! The others on the same plant are marble sized.  When the tennis ball is a bit bigger we will remove all the others.  We water every day (a can of water) and feed once a week. Tomato feed.

Last year our pumpkin was stolen, as was the winning pumpkin in the junior category - 2 little girls aged 7 and 9. :evil:

So - we will measure in October when the fruits are ripe.
Giant pumpkins are not nice to eat. The flesh is very wet. and you can be eating them for months ...
Title: GIANT PUMPKIN
Post by: Eristic on July 13, 2006, 03:35
You cannot choose to grow large dias vs weight, just big. The two are pretty much the same for a given variety as mass is proportional to volume.

As to growing them, every showman in the world has their own secret extra-go ingredients but ultimately these will only add the few additional kilos that may or may not take the prize.

Generally, to get a super specimen requires good timing with the seed germination such that the plant will grow from day 1 without any check. Extremely fertile soil along with a good sunny situation sheltered from wind and passing animals is vital. Ideally, you also need to save your own seed from a large specimen in order to use the very largest seeds. The bigger the seed, the bigger the cotyledons, the more vigorous the plant, the bigger the pumpkin.

Pumpkins should just about be setting now and as soon as you are confident  a few have set, select the best placed one then ruthlessly remove all other embrios. Remove all flowerbuds too.

Wishing you all the best for this year, but I may be the opposition next year.
Title: GIANT PUMPKIN
Post by: milkman on July 13, 2006, 09:24
Thanks for all the hints and good luck with your giants too.  I thought I was doing well with my currently tennis ball size giant until I checked progress of the spare plant that I had generously donated to a fellow plot holder friend which appears to be sporting a bright yellow football sized pumpkin... :( My pumpkin is now going to be getting much more TLC over the next few weeks!
Title: pumpkins
Post by: Oliver on July 13, 2006, 11:19
Quote from: "Eristic"
large dias vs weight, just big. The two are pretty much the same for a given variety as mass is proportional to volume.
Yes, sort of. Silver Prince is not a very large pumpkin, but it is very dense, so it can be heavier than a bigger 'giant' variety whose fruit is very loose and full of air. So they go for BIG but measure two dimensions because Mammoth, Atlantic Giant and Hundredweight are different shapes. Also, another variety of pumpkin may well grow bigger than the heavyweights which may fail for other reasons. So, unless one is an expert (there are plenty of websites about Giant Pumpkins), anything can happen! Most allotment holders grow food to eat, not to see who can grow the biggest.

Quote from: "Eristic"
you also need to save your own seed from a large specimen in order to use the very largest seeds. The bigger the seed, the bigger the cotyledons, the more vigorous the plant, the bigger the pumpkin.


Thanks for this - very useful. They had 200 seeds from the 'winning pumpkin' but some were very flat and although the pumpkins seeds had green stuff inside (the cotyledons) they were discarded. Only the fattest ones were used, but even so, a lot failed to germinate - JohnM, who is somewhat of an expert said heat and moisture is the secret in germinating he puts his in the airing cupboard. So does PatJ!

So Eristic - have a go next year and see how you do! Set up a thread at the start of the season and we can all contribute! O
Title: GIANT PUMPKIN
Post by: Eristic on July 14, 2006, 00:06
Sorry for any confusion earlier but it was very late/early and past my bedtime. What i meant to say was for a given pumpkin, you cannot choose to grow it heavy vs growing large diameters. From distant memory, the pumpkin usually remains solid while still growing, air spaces may develop later.

There used to be a satanic ritual amongst pumpkin growers starting at the beginning of Sept, where they could be observed sneaking around with a piece of  knotted string to test if the beast is still growing. And to test if theirs was bigger than the others.

It is normal to harvest the pumpkin soon after it has definately stopped growing so as to move it to a place of safety. At this time, there is probably quite a lot of seeds inside that have not fully matured.
Title: GIANT PUMPKIN
Post by: John on July 14, 2006, 10:10
Last year I grew two large pumpkins. Although my squash was pinched the little 'persons' couldn't steal the pumpkins. I nearly got a hernia loading them into the car to deliver to the children.
Since my sister's little one now wants a pumpkin, I'm going for 3 medium. this year.
The plants are making a takeover attempt for the entire site!
Title: Giant pumpkin
Post by: Oliver on July 23, 2006, 20:47
Quote from: "john"
plants are making a takeover attempt for the entire site!
Glad your plant is doing SOMETHING. Her plant is about 6 ft long, had two pumpkins. One shrivvled and died and the other is about as big as a grapefruit.

JohnM says his is about as big as two footballs (maybe he should see a doc .. oops, intejection by her!!!). Was as big as one football on Thursday, and today it's two. I'll have to go and have a look as this sounds like a fishing tale to me ...

But, its early days yet, they won't measure until mid October. Maybe someone will make some nice pukmpkin fritters of the 'two footballs'.   8)  8)
Title: GIANT PUMPKIN
Post by: John on July 24, 2006, 11:19
I trimmed off loads of flowers and tiny pumpkins the other day - think I'll end up with at least half a dozen decent ones. I'm not going for giants this year. Hope the kids are not too disappointed.

Trick with pumpkins is rich soil, water and maybe some liquid feed - my 2 giants last year just got plonked in some rich soil so I was lucky.

Not as lucky as the newbie on The Big Dig with his brassicas - I was heard to scream 'It's not FAIR!!!!' :)
Title: Giant pumpkin
Post by: Oliver on July 24, 2006, 12:32
Quote from: "john"
not going for giants this year
They don't usually indulge in this sort of thing, but the Allotment Soc they belong too (she is the Secretary) are trying to get the allotment holders to pull in the same direction (!) so a pumpkin 'competition', followed by (the important bit) a knees up  of (pumpkin cake), croissants and coffee afterwards is being done again this year. (And the awards of the 'trophies' - one made of stainless steel by a plotholder and the other one donated by the President of the Allotment Soc - a nice bit of fun)

Her pumpkin is one she was given - Mammoth - not one they would normally grow because giant pumpkins are not very nice to eat (that is a personal view - sure - there are many who probably feel otherwise!!). Everyone says 'OOOh, make pumpkin pie'  :roll: (even she shudders at that) 'or pumpkin soup' - there are far more interesting things to make soup out of that watery pumpkin! Besides, how much soup can you eat in a week - Mammoth pumpkins get seriously BIG and can take up the whole fridge ... Compost is good :)  :D  :lol:

She says I sound like a grumpy old man this morning ... humph
Title: GIANT PUMPKIN
Post by: John on July 24, 2006, 13:54
I grew Autumn Giant and they wouldn't fit into the fridge. I JUST managed to lift them into the back seat of the car on my own. I reckon around 6 stone but whatever, they were at my lift limit.
Photo's available in September 2005
Title: GIANT PUMPKIN
Post by: rugbymad40 on July 24, 2006, 14:25
I'm growing a Pumpkin for the village show in September and have listened to all the tips and advice being handed out - both on this fantastic web site and on the plot.

One tip that kept cropping up - excuse the Pun -was the use of beer.  So, I have collared a supply of slops from a local outlet and set to task feeding the prize winning plants (I Hope).  Results seem good at present - but I have developed a reputation as a drinker now, because I leave the join three times a week with a gallon of brown liquid in a bucket.

Another tip which is worth considering is only allowing two fruits to form and then stopping the growing tip.  That way the plant puts all its energy into fattening the fruits.  The logic is there!?

Happy growing
Title: GIANT PUMPKIN
Post by: rugbymad40 on July 28, 2006, 21:58
Just got back from the pub - Been there to collect the slops for the Pumpkins - only had a pint.
But while I was there someone who has heard I was growing a pumpkin showed me some pictures of the results he got a few years ago by feeding the pumpkin on slops.  76lbs and perfect skin.  The really fascinating thing was that it grow to that size in seven weeks!!  From pollination to croping for a local show - seven weeks!
That said mine have had fruit for three weeks now and at least doubled in size every week.
How are everyone elses giants doing?
Title: GIANT PUMPKIN
Post by: GrannieAnnie on July 28, 2006, 22:03
Does it work with melons?????
Title: GIANT PUMPKIN
Post by: Eristic on July 28, 2006, 22:06
No! It has to be beer.
Title: GIANT PUMPKIN
Post by: GrannieAnnie on July 28, 2006, 22:11
No, silly, I meant can I water my melons with slops from the pub and have giant ones???????
Title: GIANT PUMPKIN
Post by: GrannieAnnie on July 28, 2006, 22:12
Mmmmm, tipsy melon and fresh cream, sounds yum
Title: GIANT PUMPKIN
Post by: lentil987 on July 28, 2006, 22:19
When do you think pumpkins are ready to pick - I dont mean the very big ones but the others on the plants. I have a couple of pumpkin plants and one plant has a huge pumpkin on it already (this one is destined to be my daughters halloween lantern !) The other plant has a few smaller pumpkins that look nice however I dont know when they are ready for eating. Does anyone know?
Title: Giant pumpkin
Post by: Oliver on July 28, 2006, 22:53
Quote from: "rugbymad40"
How are everyone elses giants doing?

Her giant is about as big as a football. Has been growing for 8 weeks.
Fred (he is 93 you know) put a plant in about 4 weeks ago.  It has three fruits, two as big as hers, one as big as a tennis ball and dozens of arms. The whole plant takes up about one eights of his plot! Its just not fair. His marrow is aready 3 feet long.

I reckon some people just have the knack. Ho hum. Don't despair yet ...

As far as picking is concerned, we wait until all the leaves have died down then we harvest, dry off and store.  Some pumpkins get eaten straight away, but they generaly keep well throughout the winter.
In her experience pumpkins are usually ready sometime in September. Sometimes even later.
Title: GIANT PUMPKIN
Post by: milkman on July 29, 2006, 09:16
Ditto what Oliver says and beware the first frost - if a frost is forecast, pick your pumpkins and remove them to a safe place, or cover them in fleece otherwise they can very quickly turn to mush... :(
Title: big pumpkin
Post by: Caretaker on July 29, 2006, 13:18
I have a small tip, but i expect you all do this anyway.
I first water the leaves one can of water, then one can on the roots.
Water rest of lotment then, water leaves again.
You can see after watering the leaves they look healther and brighter.
I would like to play them music but the other plot holders would complain.
Reg
Title: GIANT PUMPKIN
Post by: GrannieAnnie on July 29, 2006, 13:31
You could always give them earphones Reg!!!!
Title: Re: big pumpkin
Post by: Heather_S on July 29, 2006, 13:52
Quote from: "Caretaker"
I have a small tip, but i expect you all do this anyway.
I first water the leaves one can of water, then one can on the roots.
Water rest of lotment then, water leaves again.
You can see after watering the leaves they look healther and brighter.
I would like to play them music but the other plot holders would complain.
Reg


I thought you shouldn't get water on the leaves of a plant especially if it's sunny because then it gets sunburn?
Title: GIANT PUMPKIN
Post by: Caretaker on July 29, 2006, 18:14
Sorry  :oops: forgot to add i water in the evening, well most times.
I started to grow the pumpkins for my girls and family to make faces and put a candle in like a family carve up, can't wait to have a go, shame we are not children any more.
Reg.
Title: giant pumpkin
Post by: sumo on July 29, 2006, 18:25
My giant pumpkin plant is rather pathetic. Some of the leaves have turned yellow and the flowers have mostly shrivelled up once opened. There are only 2 small marble-sized potential pumpkins, (one now, as the other has just fallen off!) I do water the plant, trying to keep water off the leaves and the ground is loam with lots of horse muck dug in. So where am I going wrong, and should I resort to beer? (for me, if the plant doesn`t start acting like a pumpkin) The weather here has been very hot and dry for about 2 weeks, but today there is quite a lot of rain.
Title: GIANT PUMPKIN
Post by: Heather_S on July 29, 2006, 20:51
Quote from: "Caretaker"
Sorry  :oops: forgot to add i water in the evening, well most times.


Ahh I thought that might be the case. I was just making sure that pumpkin leaves weren't magically immune to that treatment. I should try that... the older leaves of my pumpkin plants are looking oddly a little yellow but the newer leaves further along the vine are still a lush green.

sumo - Don't feel too bad, my plant had heaps of male flowers seemingly forever but now I don't count my pumpkins until they've started fattening up. Sometimes they just don't get pollinated enough to make a pumpkin. I have cardboard "mulch" down keeping the weeds down and keeping moisture in.
Title: GIANT PUMPKIN
Post by: rugbymad40 on July 29, 2006, 23:07
Hi folks,
I have been assisting my pumpkins in pollenation by taking a male and female flower and providing the connection - enough said I think.
The results are very good and each plant I have assisted has a fruit that has doubled in size since I provided help!
There are now 8 Potential giant pumpkin plants on the plot and all have fruit on them.  Half are being fed on beer slops as a test and it would appear at present that those getting the extra feed are doing better then those not.
I have been to a local show today - Leigh in Surrey - and although the entrance was good the quality was down on previous years.  Most people put this down to the watering , but I dont beleive that!  We have restrictions, but the site I am on won a majortiy of the prizes simply because the vegatables were better tended.
My confidence has risen for the Spetembewr show locally.  Simply because I could have beaten a number of entrance in the competition today IF I had entered the group. Role on September 16th.  I will post the results - however I fair!!!!!
Title: I'v got pumkins
Post by: Caretaker on August 01, 2006, 20:28
Hi Every one,
I have put my prize pumpkins on trays but found one had fallen off; I went to pick it up and was surprised how heavy it was.
I have 5 large pumpkins on 4 plants and my girls and there partners are going to have a BBQ on Saturday and have a big carve up and make early Halloween lanterns, hope the car can take the strain.
Most are a dark orange but two are creamy in colour, don't know if this matters.
Reg.
Title: beer for giant pumpkins
Post by: cathbaddeley on August 02, 2006, 14:11
i was watching the big dig  on telly and to get giant pumpkins a tip one of the plot holders gave was to give  your pumpking a drink of beer/lager about 18ins from the roots and apparently it works wonders. I myself have planted my pumpkins and swashes in a pile of cow muck and they are growing  and swelling like triffids. :tongue2:  :lol:

cath
Title: GIANT PUMPKIN
Post by: mum of 3 on August 08, 2006, 08:14
so glad i allowed a large space for my pumpkins as theve spread like wildfire,we have 2 smallish ones and one that is now bigger than a basketball,im determined to get kids in local paper with it :lol:
guess ill have to find a good pumpkin recipe :lol:
Title: GIANT PUMPKIN
Post by: milkman on August 08, 2006, 17:36
Oh well, it seems I am not destined to win the family giant pumpkin comp this year - my promising pumpkin got to about small rugby ball size and then started going spongy on its bottom so I chopped it off in disgust.  The plant is now sporting 3 or 4 replacement pumpkins which are probably not going to reach epic proportions... :cry:
Title: GIANT PUMPKIN
Post by: GrannieAnnie on August 08, 2006, 20:03
Oh I am sorry to hear about your pumpkin milkman.  Maybe next year eh?
Title: GIANT PUMPKIN
Post by: shaun on August 10, 2006, 11:15
another thing you have to think of is the wind if your plot is exposed then the wind might blow the pumkin plant and the fruit will snap off,so peg it down with hooped wire or something similar (i use welding rods). this happened to me last year,just took a walk down there and the wind is realy gusty its broke a number of sweetcorn on the plot next to mine.
Title: How am I doing?
Post by: Organic Cragg on August 15, 2006, 18:29
Hello All,
I am currently growing a pumpkin for a competion. As this is my first time I am not sure how I compare to other growers. It has about a 68 inch circumference and weighs about 75 lbs (see www.organiccraggle.blogspot.com for pictures).
Title: GIANT PUMPKIN
Post by: mum of 3 on August 16, 2006, 14:40
wow thats a whopper, i thought ours was big at 47",dont know how well move them from site :lol: