Mog the Dog here.

All trees must be seedlings first, even Halloween trees.

In my morning wanderings out into the garden, I happened upon such a seedling:



It's the first time I've ever seen a pumpkin vine growing straight up into the air of its own accord. I wonder how high it will find itself before the weight of its fruit brings it back down to earth.

Upon witnessing such a sight as this, the chickens-turned-vultures await anxiously in the background for Halloween to be within pecking distance.

Patience, my sweet little laying hens. Patience!

MTD

MogTheDog, why did you have to post the photos now? You have set off additional question(s)of 1) how high will the vine grow before bending [get your tape measure handy] 2) how many weeks will it take before said bending commences, and 3) will the plant need a stake to survive to ripeness?

quote:

Originally posted by biplane1:
MogTheDog, why did you have to post the photos now? You have set off additional question(s)of 1) how high will the vine grow before bending [get your tape measure handy] 2) how many weeks will it take before said bending commences, and 3) will the plant need a stake to survive to ripeness?

Heh...heh...heh...

If my pumpkin vine wishes to reach for the stars, I simply must help it build the ladder. So, I've staked the vine so that it can continue its vertical journey. Only my Halloween seedling knows how long it will take to become a tree.

Stay tuned...

MTD

Mog, this is so great! Way back when, in the Bicentennial year, one of the major seed companies, I think it was Ferry-Morse, put out a leaflet telling how to grow pumpkins (in this case, Connecticut Field) the way the early colonists did. I still have this leaflet--somewhere! They also said that pumpkins could be grown on a trellis or fence, just like other gourds. If you give your pumpkin a nice strong support, I don't think there's any danger of it dragging the vine down to the ground--those little squiggly trndrils are very strong, and will support your pumpkin easily. I see the little one there, in your picture. Best of luck, and I expect you to keep us posted on its growth, and the JoL to follow!

Hi Viktoria,

Mog the Dog here. Thanks for the information on growing vertical pumpkins. I'll do some studying up on it.

My Halloween Seedling has grown 5 inches upward in the past two days. If it keeps up at that rate, my Halloween Tree will be 14 feet tall come October 31st.

I love squash blossoms...dusted with panko flower, stuffed with a 50/50 mix of goat cheese and Greek yogurt, then sautéed in butter.

quote:

Originally posted by jkt:
I love squash blossoms...dusted with panko flower, stuffed with a 50/50 mix of goat cheese and Greek yogurt, then sautéed in butter.

Yumm!

I counted over 40 male squash blossoms in my morning wanderings into the garden. I'm sure the mother vines won't miss a few of them.

I am looking forward to trying out your recipe. I'll let you know how it turns out.

MTD

JKT, you're trying to make me hungry aren't you?

gah! i want one! >_<