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Its time to play around with giant pumpkins again.
I know I will never grow a world record giant pumpkin. The odds are against me because I live here in Alabama where the summers are scorching hot and day light hours are less than the upper north. But I do have fun growing Large pumpkins.
I did not grow one last year and the one I grew the year before stopped growing when the pumpkin was only 36 days old. It aborted. They say sometimes they just do that.
It estimated 310 pounds. My goal was to beat our State record which was only 410 pounds.
Yes, I was disappointed when it stopped growing. I was only 100 pounds from matching the state record. I have no idea yet what the new state record is if there is one.
Pumpkins can grow 65 to 90 days on the vine . 90 if you are extremely lucky.(rare)
The females normally have 3 to 7 segments (stigmas). Most giant growers look for 5 or more segments. 6 and 7 segments are Rare. There have been a few Freak Mega Females that had 12 and 13 segments (multi-fused blossoms) But no one has been successful at getting one of those to grow a giant. (that I know of so far)
Most giant pumpkin growers grow only one giant per plant. Some grow more than one but there is a certain way to train the plant in order to do that.
Giant pumpkins are fun. Some think they are a total waste of space and time thinking why grow it if you cannot eat it. Well, I eat the culled ones. The ones that are pulled from the vine that are not to be grown . If you pollinate them or let them naturally pollinate, You can have a small pumpkin to slice and fry within 7 to 10 days after it was pollinated and taste really good. LIke Squash.
This is a photo of the pumpkin I grew two years ago. Son, Chad, is standing with it. He thought it was exciting---never saw a large pumpkin before til I grew one.
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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