Pumpkins are great crops to grow, but not every space can accommodate a pumpkin patch.
Smaller varieties like pie pumpkins produce8 to 10 fruits per plantfor a decent harvest.
you’re able to even grow smaller pumpkin plants on a trellis to save space.
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No matter what key in you choose, vine management is an important part of raising this popular crop.
Here’s what you oughta know to manage pumpkin vines.
What Is a Pumpkin Vine?
A pumpkin vine is the conduit that delivers water and nutrients to the foliage and fruits.
Just like tomato vines, they can bedeterminate or indeterminatedepending on variety.
Determinate vines grow to a certain length, producing pumpkins that ripen together.
Indeterminate pumpkin vines continue to grow, producing fruits until they are killed by frost.
How Do Pumpkin Vines Grow?
The main pumpkin vine starts at the point where the plant first rooted into the ground.
As the main vine lengthens, secondary vines begin to proliferate along its length.
Finally, shoots begin to appear at the leaf axils on secondary vines.
These are called tertiary vines.
Prune your vines with a sharp, sterilehand pruner, cutting just above a developed leaf node.
Covering the cut end with soil prevents moisture loss and discourages disease and insect infestation.
The ends can be buried or covered with an organically rich soil mixture.
The best time to prune is during late summer and early autumn.
These vines are pruned to 8 to 10 feet in total length.
Tertiary Vine
Tertiary vines or shoots appear at the leaf axils on secondary vines.
These third-generation shoots do not form fruit and, in fact, leech energy from secondary vines.
Tertiary vines should be removed as soon as they emerge.
Here are some basic tasks for your to-do list in the pumpkin patch.
Yes, these vines need a lot of water, especially during the hottest days of summer.
Water whenever the soil becomes dry, as often as needed.
