Chris Dunn in Lomita: In the mix!

Good morning, Pumpkinistas!

Remember that golf ball-size pumpkin from a couple of weeks ago? Well, here's a recent picture of Chris Dunn's pride and joy from earlier this week!

From here, who knows? A few weeks of warmer weather, and it may become The One, The Ipu Nui, the Yokozuna of Squash!

Ray Rausch: Taking a breather!

Good morning, Pumpkinistas!

Here's the latest from Ray Rausch, and his chronicler and spouse, Ethel:

"Hi Stuart.

Ray named her after his mother " Elizabeth" (this is a big one Elizabeth). She may have maxed out at 560lbs so he has started another one from the same vine. Annie (after my mother) is about 70lbs she also has white spots.  Do you have any idea what they are or how to stop them?"

Thank you! The references to Grant Wood's "American Gothic" and Emeril are priceless!

The Beast of Burbank: Big news from Sheridan Gardens

The Beast of Burbank: Big and breaking news 

from Sheridan Gardens!

Good morning, Pumpkinistas!

These are the latest images of the giant pumpkin growing in Burbank, CA at Sheridan Gardens. As you can see, the warm and less humid weather of Burbank has had a very positive effect on the development and growth of their pumpkin so far this season. They are currently soliciting names for their colossal cucurbit, with a generous guft certificate going to the winner. So, if you're in the vicinity, drop by your entry!

By the way, they used Gardner & Bloome and Kellogg products exclusively, to get to this stage...

Good luck!

Mutant Genes?

Good afternoon, Pumpkinistas!

The Grays have an interesting development this week:

"Hi Stuart:Been so busy this past week with getting our L.A.County Fair entries finished up and delivered. So now back to the important things in life: PUMPKINS, OF COURSE! Now some help, have you ever seen a pumpkin looking like this?The plant however is still doing great even with the heat the last couple of weeks. Hope everyone is still doing great also. Until next week, Mike and Susan.     P.S.POLKA DOTS ARE IN SEASON THIS YEAR FOR THE GRAYS"

I haven't seen anything like this in the past. Fortunately, they may even help add a little extra weight to the final giant pumpkin.

It's a Girl!

It's a Girl!

Good afternoon, Pumpkinistas!

Not to be outdone by The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Chris Dunn has the following announcement to make:

"Hey Stuart! Hope all is well with you and the family. Thought I'd send a pic of the new addition to the family. We haven't named her yet,,,,,,,,,, but here she is:) This one is 20' out on the main vine,,,, you can see all that plant behind her!!! That's the food factory that will hopefully bring me a 1000 lb pumpkin this year!

With Jim Fredricks and a couple other amazing growers helping me,,,,,,,,,,,,, its going to be one heck of a ride!!!

Hope she makes it to" Pumpkinmania " in one piece:)"

Stuart,

The Fredricks' patch is coming along and growing well. Joshua is enjoying the plant and still occasionally throws a shoe or other object through the air into the plant! He took out quite a large leaf a few days ago. lol Anyway, here is our fruit, slowly growing. Hope everyone's plants and fruit are growing well!

Jim and Joshua Fredricks San Diego

Beating the Heat: The Grays' Progress

Good morning, Pumpkinistas!

The Grays are being challenged by the warm temperatures... Here's their latest update:

"Hi Stuart! This week's update. Pollinated on the 4th of July. Hope it holds with the heat. How are your plants doing? Until next week everyone stay cool. Mike and Susan"

Chris Dunn: Keeping cool too!

The View from Chris Dunn in Lomita

"Hey Stuart! Thought I'd check in and make sure everyone has the plants protected during this massive heat wave! This is a picture of my home plant. I have shade all the way across the vines in the back. Shade on the growing main tip... Then chairs on all other secondary tips. The chairs work great, you just have to remember to move them every day due to the plant tips growing 10 plus inches a day:) Once your leaves get scorched, there's no way to bring them back:(

Hope your staying cool and chat with you soon!

Chris"

Keeping cool!

The Grays: Keeping cool...

Good morning, Pumpkinistas!

The warm weather has been challenging:

"Hi Stuart, Is it hot enough for you today? I know the pumpkins don't like it. As you can see in the pictures, we made a mad dash to get shade cloth up misters up and fans in place.The temperature picture was in the shade. It got to 94 today. So far the pumpkin plants are looking good and growing. Until next week, keep cool, this weather is going to be here for a while. How are your new plants doing? Mike and Susan"

Ray Rausch 2013 Season

February 20, 2013, transplanted April 7, 2013

Vine has fruited, June 4, 2013

Pumpkin estimated weight 49 pounds, June 11, 2013

Pumpkin estimated weight 100 pounds, June 16, 2013

Pumpkin estimated weight 230 pounds, June 24, 2013

Pumpkin estimated weight 300 pounds, June 28, 2013

Ray Rausch's 2013 Season

Good afternoon, Pumpkinistas!

I received these great images from Ethel and Ray Rausch a couple of days ago. I am glad that someone is having a great season! Please note the first picture, which shows how Ray initially protected his seedling. Now, of course, I am sure that any small rodents are probably quite intimidated by the size of the vine (and pumpkin!).

I think we have a contender...