Giant Pumpkin has split stem

11 years ago

I'm growing a giant pumpkin for the first time, from a seed of a 1,379-lb. fruit. Since we are in Zone 3, the plant isn't all that large yet, but it is healthy looking.

However, the portion of the stem from the soil to the seed leaves has opened up and is flat as flat can be. What does this indicate, and can it be reversed? Many thanks!

Featured Answer

gastone21 (z7a VA)

11 years ago

How long is your vine? Pumpkins will root wherever the vine touches. Toss some soil over it a few feet away from where the vine is planted. It should grow new roots there in no time.

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Comments (6)

Gail Stevens-Cryer
11 years ago
MY BIG MAX IS 8 FT WITH A 4" SPLIT AT BEGINNING OF STEM N NOW LEAVES TURNING YELLOW THEN BROWN... SAME THING HAPPENED TO MY OTHER BG MAX AND THAT ONE COMPLETELY DIED... MY FIRST TRY @ PUMPKINS...
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rgreen48
11 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
Uh oh... Gail, I don't want to scare you, and I could be wrong, but that is a classic look of damage caused by the squash vine borer.

Covering parts of the stem with dirt, especially wherever extra roots may have volunteered, can help a lot.

In the meantime, if you aren't already acquainted with that particularly evil moth, you may want to start researching the SVB (Squash Vine Borer.)
Gail Stevens-Cryer
11 years ago
OH THANK YOU SO MUCH !!!... WILL COVER UP WHERE I CAN AND RESEARCH THE DREADED SOB... I MEAN SVB... IS THAT WHAT'S TURNING LEAVES YELLONM.. BROWN THEN SHRILLING UP AND DYING ??? SRY FOR THE CAPS IT'S MY OCD...
rgreen48
11 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
Well, I could be wrong, and I hope I am... but look for other symptoms, like frass on and around the main stem. Read about it so you can make sure that it is, or is not the borer. If it is, then start taking steps with covering the stems and other preventions and aids that you will read about. Try to start tomorrow if you can, it has to be taken care of relatively quick.
Gail Stevens-Cryer
11 years ago
TYSM TOO RGREEN... I WILL BE ON IT TOMM N DO RESEARCH IN THE MEAN TIME... WILL KEEP POSTED..