The first 9 - 10 days of the giant pumpkin industrial plant ’s development requires exceptional attention to ensure a good jump of a decently spring up seedling . An understanding , by the grower , of the development and growth of the autumn pumpkin seedling ( and the entire industrial plant & fruit ) is necessary in an elbow grease to carry off any variable star and put goal . This is most often gain by experience as in the event of the consistent competitor , although a first - sentence grower can conquer these “ variables ” and show very well .
SEED SELECTION – it is imperative to select a multifariousness with the transmitted potential capable of producing a specimen ample for the competition you care to enter . My hypnotism for “ World Class ” contest is the Atlantic Giant . Select only full , mature , viable seed .
direct SEED PLANTING – to set a seed planting particular date , one must review the plant ’s microscope stage of growth , day length and the date of the competition ( harvest time ) . An understanding of local weather patterns may also be an influential factor for determining when to establish the seed or better to say , when to mature the seedling to the three ( 3 ) leaf degree for transplanting . Let ’s say there are three stage of the plants ’ ontogenesis to regard when targeting the source planting date :
1 . Seedling stage – seeded player planting to 3 leaf stage ( 9 - 10 days).2 . plant life growth stage – 3 leafage to fruit set date ( 60 - 70 days).3 . Fruiting stage – fruit set to harvest particular date ( last 70 - 80 + days – yield ontogeny )
To capsulize the all this targeting by example , we will say that the target date for the competition is October 12 . Count back 70 - 80 + daytime to the fruit set date of July 24 to August 3 . Then count back 60 - 70 days to the planting day of the month of May 15 - 25 and 9 - 10 back to the seed planting engagement ( May 5 - 10 ) . In reverse – 9 - 10 twenty-four hour period to 3 leaf , +60 - 70 days to fruit set and +70 - 80 mean solar day to reap ( entire days seed to glean 130 - 150 ) . Too often agriculturist start too early !
PLANTING MEDIUM – it is most advantageous to utilize a idle medium . The giantpumpkin germ is one of the largestof the vegetable seeds , as it is the largest vegetable plant fruit . The germ has much organic thing and will take a great amount of moisture , therefore , have the likely todamp off(rot ) . This single factor is the intellect for much ejaculate failure when planting giant pumpkin seed . Use a commixture like to this :
1/3 vermiculite1/3 perlite1/3 peat moss(add a antimycotic agent to mix )
A 9 - 10 mean solar day old seedling has few nourishing requirements but a belittled amount a water - soluble plant food wo n’t ache .
PEAT POT – habituate 4 inch peat pots . Plant the peat pot and all when planting the seedling ( this reduce root damage ) . Poke holes in the peat pot in several places at or near the bottom if no hole . The stack will hold an excessive amount of wet if this not done . Fill the peat grass with the dry soil intermixture . Keep settling to a lower limit .
FUNGICIDE – seed and potting potpourri treatment are very important . This procedure will help control damping off , but alone without proper room temperature . wet , and bottom estrus , etc . may not be good . Dampen the seed , then apply juiceless powder fungicide . Coat to the point of dear coverage . When tote up to the potting soil mix follow recommendation on the label ; or just add a small amount .
set THE ejaculate – moisten the sight and medium . Initial moisture is substantive to the come , therefore moisten well the first time . The pot itself will take on much wet ( it ’s really peat – sponge ) , this time it should be saturated . From then on have the moisture decrease , not to show through the peat pot after tearing . establish the cum 1/2 inch below the surface with therooting end down , crownwork terminate up .
BOTTOM HEAT – is necessary for 4 - 5 Clarence Day to give the source enough passion to germinate . When the main root is 1 in long STOP BOTTOM HEATING ( it will destroy roots greater than 1 inch long ) . Suggest you practice a plastic industrial plant flat without holes . Jugs of warm urine may be the most scotch mode to add estrus . Remember to water individual bay window and keep proper wet .
ROOM TEMPERATURE – a temperature of 75 - 85 degree F. is necessary . Most nonesuch is 85 degree . Please understand a in high spirits temperature has more moisture hold capacity .
VENTILATION – air movement is necessary to help keep in line fungus growth and supply fresh aura components to the seedling . Keep in judgement that the ideal conditions for seedling growth are also idealistic for fungus growth .
LIGHTING – use “ artificial lighting ” . fluorescent fixture tube 2 - 3 inches above the potting admixture Earth’s surface and maintained at 2 - 3 inches above seedling stage will leave in a stalwart not spindly ( wakeful - starved ) plant . It is not necessary to use a “ Grow Lite ” , as a regular “ Cool White ” fluorescent fixture metro is just fine . Full light ( 24 60 minutes . ) will provide the seedling with the amount of light required . The quality of the light is maintained by the minginess of the bulb to the plant .
LIGHTING – continue to check on a regular basis . Be careful not to over water .
PLANTING THE SEEDLING – It is not necessary to humour or acclimates the seedling over a time period of fourth dimension . It is of import to plant on or near the target date when the seedling is at the former 3 foliage phase . Planting should be under a spicy - tent or miniature glasshouse .
Good luck in this next grow season .
Learn more about acquire a Giant pumpkin vine .
by Ray Waterman
