Hundredweight Pumpkins

Latest Articles

Hundredweight Pumpkins

Downsizer Forum Index -> Grow Your Own

Author

Message

StrawberryJamrozy

Joined: 19 May 2010
Posts: 1189
Location: Hampshire

Posted: Mon Apr 16, 12 1:14 pm Post subject: Hundredweight Pumpkins

Hi all,

I planted some Hundredweight pumpkin seeds in early March with my son. I put them in the pots and put them in the airing cupboard for a few days to start the shoots off.
I then put them in the bathroom windowsill for light and warmth and they've done quite well.
Well now they're starting to take over my bathroom windowsill!
Here's a picture:

Could anyone tell me what's the next best thing to do? I assume I'll be planting them into the garden, but I've never successfully grown pumpkins before.
I grew some 2 years ago, but it never gave any fruit.
I planted them into a deep 'poly' tub (one that collapses) and they toppled it from the sheer weight of the vines. I have a fairly large garden, I was just looking for a bit of advice.
I'd really love for these to fruit this year.

Thanks in advance

marigold

Joined: 02 Sep 2005
Posts: 12458
Location: West Sussex

Posted: Mon Apr 16, 12 2:05 pm Post subject:
If you have a compost heap, plant one on there Pumpkins need a lot of space and won't do well in containers.

StrawberryJamrozy

Joined: 19 May 2010
Posts: 1189
Location: Hampshire

Posted: Mon Apr 16, 12 2:12 pm Post subject:
I've just done a bit of Google'ing and I've read they need between 6 - 10ft between the plants - I have four plants! I easily have about 60 foot to play with, so I'm going to stick them in the ground with some compost. My compost bin isn't quite ready yet, so it'll have to be bagged stuff for now. Thank you, though

mochyn

Joined: 21 Dec 2004
Posts: 24585
Location: mid-Wales

Posted: Mon Apr 16, 12 2:38 pm Post subject:
Probably a bit early just now: wait until mid May. You may not be able to get into the bathroom by then, though.

OtleyLad

Joined: 13 Jan 2007
Posts: 2737
Location: Otley, West Yorkshire

Posted: Mon Apr 16, 12 2:51 pm Post subject:

mochyn wrote:

Probably a bit early just now: wait until mid May. You may not be able to get into the bathroom by then, though.

The plants will be killed off by even a light frost - so don't put them out unless you can somehow keep the frost and cold winds off them.

If there is insufficient light they will get very straggley too (and then easily snapped off).

Best of luck!

marigold

Joined: 02 Sep 2005
Posts: 12458
Location: West Sussex

Posted: Mon Apr 16, 12 2:58 pm Post subject:
And don't forget to harden the plants off before you plant them out - put them outside during the day and bring in at night for a week or two.

	Downsizer Forum Index -> Grow Your Own	All times are GMT
Page 1 of 1

View Latest Posts