I never feed until after first fruit set. Feeding before fruit set kicks the plant out of fruit set and back into growth mode.

Personally I wouldn't use anything that high in P and K but it's your choice. Side dress the hills in a trench around it and worked lightly into the soil. How much will depend on the fertilizer used so just follow the directions on the label. I use 1 cup of 10-10-10 and repeat it 6 weeks later.

JMO

Dave

So why do they say to fertilize when the plants are flowering? At least that is what Gurneys recommends. The fertilizer is free so that is why I am using this blend.

I have no idea why they would say that or recommend such high levels of P and K. I can only relate what has worked for me for years based on all the reading I have done on the question.

And I'm sure soil type and basic soil fertility is also a factor and my beds have been very well amended over the years so a lot less supplemental feeding is required for me than it may be for others.

But why not post this on the Pumpkins & Gourds forum and see what the experts there recommend as several of them grow pumpkins commercially.

Dave

Post fertilization program is required during this transition from vine growth to fruit. During the fruit growth stage switch from the balanced fertilizer to a formulations which contains a high percentage of potassium. If you use a water soluble fertilizer use a ratio of 1-1-2 or 1-1-3 for optimal growth.

Dave, I did not say they recommended that blend of fertilizer. What I said was that they recommend to apply fertilizer when the plant is flowering.

With those high numbers I would probably not use very much at a time. As far as the questions above regarding flowering and fruit set, the best way to know what works best for you is to fertilize one hill at flowering and the other after fruit set and see what differences you notice. Next year you could do a similar experiment with timing experimenting with granular versus liquid fertilizer. Good luck.