Can anyone answer some Pumpkin questions?

[JaimeB]

I'm a first time grower of pumpkins and google only offers so much information. I'm in zone 8b and sowed my seeds directly into the ground four weeks ago. It was a little later than planned but we had a very wet and cold spring. They're growing very nicely and all have 5-6 true leaves but no vines yet. I know it's still early, but I noticed today that buds are forming at the base of those leaves. The soil is very fertile out here so I just let nature do its thing, but I was expecting to see vines before blooms. Is this happening to anyone else? When do you think I'll have some blooms?

 

[hoodat]

I'm a first time grower of pumpkins and google only offers so much information. I'm in zone 8b and sowed my seeds directly into the ground four weeks ago. It was a little later than planned but we had a very wet and cold spring. They're growing very nicely and all have 5-6 true leaves but no vines yet. I know it's still early, but I noticed today that buds are forming at the base of those leaves. The soil is very fertile out here so I just let nature do its thing, but I was expecting to see vines before blooms. Is this happening to anyone else? When do you think I'll have some blooms?

Those buds will probably form into runners. Sometimes a runner bud and flower bud come out at the same place but the runner normally develops before the flower opens.
Where are you located that still has enough warm weather ahead for pumpkins?

 

[JaimeB]

Dusty, San Ardo, California. The crops love it, but the cars hate it. I know they're growing at an accelerated rate, and I have yet to fertilize or use any special food, but they're in the sun almost all day and we're in for another heat wave the next couple weeks. Thanks for the help. How well do you think they'll do if things keep up the way they are?

 

[beavis]

San Ardo...

So you are located in the Salinas Valley?

My guess is that you are doing O.K. and the weather patterns for that area will be favorable for pumpkin growth.

Watch out for powdery mildew with Autumn fog though...

 

[JaimeB]

Thanks. I was definitely hoping to hear that. I would really like to harvest for Halloween and most people around here started their gardens a little later than usual because of the rain storms we were having. The mold got to some of our rose bushes in April and really did a number on them, so thanks for the heads up.

 

[hoodat]

Dusty, San Ardo, California. The crops love it, but the cars hate it. I know they're growing at an accelerated rate, and I have yet to fertilize or use any special food, but they're in the sun almost all day and we're in for another heat wave the next couple weeks. Thanks for the help. How well do you think they'll do if things keep up the way they are?

They should do pretty well. Pumpkins like heat so long as the ground doesn't dry out. The leaves may look wilted at the peak of heat during the day but so long as they are perky in the early morning you should be al right.
I doubt there are any squash vine borers or squash bugs in your area. Your only problem may be mildew.

 

[JaimeB]

I have a soaker hose woven around them to keep the ground moist. I was watering everyday, but the ground would dry up and crack in a matter of hours. Plus I hear it's best to water from below. It's literally just enough to keep the soil moist without puddles.

 

[vfem]

I have a soaker hose woven around them to keep the ground moist. I was watering everyday, but the ground would dry up and crack in a matter of hours. Plus I hear it's best to water from below. It's literally just enough to keep the soil moist without puddles.

You sound to be doing JUST right! The pumpkins sound good.

I have a friend who lives over your way, haven't seen her in a few years... but she loved it there, and from what she's told me you have awesome weather!

 

[JaimeB]

I have a soaker hose woven around them to keep the ground moist. I was watering everyday, but the ground would dry up and crack in a matter of hours. Plus I hear it's best to water from below. It's literally just enough to keep the soil moist without puddles.

You sound to be doing JUST right! The pumpkins sound good.

I have a friend who lives over your way, haven't seen her in a few years... but she loved it there, and from what she's told me you have awesome weather!

Thanks. The weather out here is great, and there's tons of space for gardening. We're kinda out in the middle of nowhere, but I love it. Everyone has vegetable gardens, fruit trees and chickens. Things that I've always wanted myself, but never really had room or time for in town or the city. Next year I hope to have a much more diverse garden.