A Pumpkin Problem

[jx2mad]

Does anyone grow pumpkins? I do but this year I have a self sown plant that is producing odd coloured fruit. The vine looks like a Qld blue or possibly a JAP pumpkin with long runners but the fruit that is setting is bright orange. I do grow some Golden nugget pumpkins but they are a bush type plant and it doesn't run. Maybe I have a cross between an ordinary pumpkin and a golden nugget. This is the only thing that makes sense to me. Jim

[steveG]

I've got a few growing this year as it's the first time I've really had the space. Was talking to my father when he visited s few weeks back. He commented that pumpkins cross pollinate quite easily, and in his experience the crosses can be very average eating, if not inedible.

Steve

[LandyAndy]

Pumpkins and their family are quite happy getting into bed with one another.
The first cross will throw the correct offspring.However seeds from that pumpkin could throw anything,especially if dad was a zuchini or squash.
As mentioned the eating and keeping quality can be very mixed.If you have the room let it grow,it will make good chook tucker if nothing else.
Plant a true pumpkin or 2 just in case its no good.
ENJOY
Andrew

[ramblingboy42]

I grow McCleods all the time but dont have any strange offspring and they are incestuos.

Picked early they are nutty,,,,,late as the vine shrivels they become quite sweet and can be used as dessert.

[jonesfam]

We have tried to grow them several times.
The first lot the frost killed.
The second lot the chooks got into before they got going & we got nothing.
The 3rd lot 1 of the kids decided was a weed.


We have now given up on pumpkins.


Jonesfam

[LandyAndy]

I have Kent(Jap) pumpkins in now,not doing much good,they seem to be a hard variety to grow here.
Usually grow butternut and Jarrahdale,they grow really well here and store well.
We buy Kent pumpkin as a favorite so decided to try again this year.
Andrew

[Don 130]

We've got butternuts and japs coming along. I'll be interested in your hybrid, if it comes to anything.
Don.