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Post by JEFF on Jul 31, 2005 19:51:32 GMT -6
I was wondering how to estimate the weight of a pumpkin. my biggest one is 19inches in diameter by 24inches long. I have it shaded under a blue tarp and its growing about 5/8 of an inch in diameter per day. I live in northern wisconsin and was wondering if there are any giant pumpkin contests in this area? thanks for all the help!
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Post by DougfromMN on Aug 1, 2005 11:24:17 GMT -6
Jeff.
If you could measure the circumference, I could give you an estimate on the weight.
For a more accurate estimate, three measurements are used: circumference, front-to-back, and side-to-side. I think the circumference is quite accurate on fruits that are fairly round.
To measure circumference, measure around the whole pumpkin, at it's greatest circumference. My largest pumpkin has it's greatest circumference around the middle, near the stem, and around to the blossom end. I wouldn't measure the circumference going underneath the pumpkin, though, because lifting the pumpkin can be risky. After a certain size, it could cause a hernia, or ruptured disc. It can also put pressure on the pumpkin stem, and vine.
You can take a string, and go around the pumpkin; and then measure the string. Or you can use those sewing measuring tapes(flexible cloth, or plastic).
You've got a nice pumpkin going. There is a Wisconsin weighoff in Nekosa(sp.), WI, I think it's in early Oct. There's a chance I'll be going there.
If you want to post a circumference here, I'll give you a weight estimate.
Doug
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Post by Pharmer Phil on Aug 1, 2005 15:32:05 GMT -6
Yeah Doug & Jeff, i been sandbaggin' here, I have the chart conversion for the measurements, I just have to either 'slip' a table in here, or put ot on one of my other sites for us...May just slip one in...  The measurement estimate was very accurate for us. the 527, a flattish pumpkin, taped at 500, the 461, taped heavy at about 489 but it was a perfect pumpkin , and they say they have a larger seed cavity, throwing the weight off some., But the 237 of laura's taped 237! |
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Post by jeff on Aug 1, 2005 19:28:29 GMT -6
hey guys, I just got your replies and ran right out to measure. It is 63 inches around at its biggest point. Is that good for this early in the year? I have been growing field pumpkins for 4 years but have never grown giant pumpkins before, thats why I keep asking all the dumb questions. Thanks again for all the help.
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Post by Pharmer Phil on Aug 1, 2005 19:43:08 GMT -6
Jeff, There Are No "Dumb" queations , when it comes to giants!
That is a decent size for this time of year, but that all depends where you Are, Mine are still very small, but then I got a late start.
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Post by DougfromMN on Aug 1, 2005 20:21:03 GMT -6
Jeff,
It estimates to 85.5 lbs. according to the 2005 Stellpflug/Martin tables. When was your pumpkin pollinated? This would give us a better idea of how it's doing. My 615 lber last year, was probably less 25" circ. by this time last year. It was only twelve days from pollination. Also, what seed are you using? Generic A.G. seed, or from a known cross? Feel free to ask questions, that's how you learn.
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Post by jeff on Aug 1, 2005 20:39:10 GMT -6
Hi guys, my seed is just off the shelf A.G. seed. When I planted it I didn't know you could get any other kind. Do you think the seed makes that big of difference? Also, I pollinated it about 16 days ago. thanks again
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Post by DougfromMN on Aug 2, 2005 8:13:38 GMT -6
Jeff,
That's a very good circumference for day 16. I've heard people state that they think the "shelf" A.G. seed doesn't have as much potential. 300- 400 lbs. with "shelf" seed would be very good, from what I hear. I don't have experience to support this. Maybe part of this thinking, is because this is what a lot of growers start out with, and soon after, grow seed from know parents. Maybe the greater weights with this latter seed, is in part, due to more experience. Keep us posted on how your's does. Your are off to a great start!
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