Winter Luxury, whacking off vine length

9 years ago

I have several plants that are producing some pumpkins fairly close to the root system (1-3 feet away).

However, I have several vines that are up to 12 feet long. None of them have been able to produce a pumpkin (female flowers + hand pollinating + taping flower closed). One of the vines has tried 6 times and no luck.

The older leafs near the root system are turning yellow, but he new growth is nice and green. I'm thinking the new growth is just sucking the nutrients from the older leaves (in experienced gardener talking). It's a hanging container garden on the roof.

At this point (12 feet) should I cut the vine's length in half, third, or whack it off completely hoping it will start a new vine closer to the root system? I planted late july.

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Comment (1)

Macmex
9 years ago
I wouldn't cut anything off of the vine. Every part contributes to the rest. So, you want those leaves. If space is an issue, consider tossing the vine back upon itself. It will adjust and take up less space. But don't cut it.

Also, are you trying for pure seed? If so, then you're doing the right thing, absolutely, by hand pollinating and taping flowers shut afterwards. But if purity doesn't matter, you don't need to tape them shut. The additional insect pollination might help.

My suspicion is that your plants will produce just fine, as long as they are receiving enough light. It just takes time for them to reach the point of maturity that they start setting fruit.

George
Tahlequah, OK
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