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Grower: The Pumpkin Master
The Pumpkin Master was introduced to giant pumpkins in 1999 over
the internet. With limited
growing experience in the pumpkin growing world gained by raising big max pumpkins up to 50 lbs, TPM
acquired Atlantic
Giant seeds and great information from generous growers. During the
growing season of 1999, TPM raised the 405 lbs. Sanchez
(747 Wyckoff 98 x self) in his
first year of growing. The pumpkin was 10' 5" out on the main vine, pollinated on June 15th
and was harvested on October 1st. The OTT was 114 79 75 = 268 estimated at 399.9 pounds.
The actual weight was 1.2% heavy. This pumpkin was grown in a plot that was only 100 square
feet in desert like temperatures. Average daily temperatures were in the high 90's and there
were weeks at a time where temperatures were over 100 degrees. The Pumpkin Masters Tips:
- Pray for good weather. Cool temperatures are needed to grow giant pumpkins. Praying for
the hail to avoid your home would also be a great idea. In my first year, I had a hail storm hit
a few weeks before I pollinated my first pumpkin. It devastated all of my leaves, setting me back
quite a bit.
- Water, water and then water some more.
- Keep conditions very similar from day to day to avoid aborts and exploding pumpkins.
- Treat any stem splits or scrapes with a fungicide.
- Keep on a regular spraying schedule.
Seed: 747 Wyckoff 98 x 581.5 Welty.
Germination date: April 15th 1999
Pollination date: June 12th.
Stats: Harvested September 25th 99 63 65= 227 OTT
Est. weight= 253 lbs.
Act weight= 250 lbs. UOW
Seed: 747 Wyckoff self pollinated.
Germination date: April 15th
Pollination date: June 15th.
Stats: Harvested October 1st 114 79 75= 268
Est. weight= 400 lbs.
Act. weight= 405 lbs. at Elk Grove placing 21st
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