Giant Pumpkin Help

[Steezeven]

I am 16 and trying to grow some above average pumpkins this year. The variety I'm planting are Prizewinners and I have one that is 60 inches in circumference and it seems to have stopped growing already.

I live in Colorado and our growing season is far from over and we only just got the pumpkins in the ground the first weekend of June.

Is my pumpkin done growing? And is there any way to lengthen the amount of time that pumpkins are still growing? And finally if the pumpkin is done can I just leave it on the vine until October rolls around? Thanks

[thanrose]

Nope, you can't leave it there because it will rot.

There are pumpkin monster growers out there that will have the voice of experience, way more than I have. My understanding is that once the tendrils start to wither, the vine is next. Once the vine has started to go, you have to pick the pumpkin.

In order to get the monster pumpkins, I know they actually prune the vine. Any leafing out beyond the fruit you want is wasting energy on more fruiting potential.

As far as whether or not you can plant again, look at your packet for info, or look at a gardening book for days to maturity. If it's 90 days, you may be pushing your luck. Most varieties will have different time lines. They may be close, but not identical. That's why the packet info is important.

[farmerSteve63]

This might be a little late, but I generally try to only let 1 vine grow and once a pumpkin has begun to grow, i then pick off any other male or female flowers that begin to grow. I've had better luck with this.

[backyardgardener]

You can also read this on my page.
Pumpkin Growing Guidelines- Giant pumpkins
How To Grow Atlantic Giant Pumpkins