Question about a pumpkin patch/plant! 10 points!?

Question

A pumpkin patch started coming up in our flower bed about a month ago.. we didnt plant it so we have no idea how it got there or how to care for it. I've been watering it and untangling it from my plants on a regular basis. It is growing along the flowerbed edge (flagstone) and it is in mulch, It is producing quite a few pumpkins (counted about 8 so far) that are already a decent size. My question is that it is getting quite out of hand, and Is it ok to cut the end of the vine so it gets no longer and is it ok to thin out the large leaves that aren't producing any pumpkins, and the vines that are not producing also? Please only people that have a knowledge of pumpkins! Thank you in advance!

Answer 1

Here is a website to check out:

Answer 2

Trimming back the non producing vines and new runners will keep the plant smaller overall, and give you larger pumpkins.

Answer 3

Yes as long as you don't attack it too severely. Cutting off the runners ensures that the pumpkins you already have on the vine will benifit & grow bigger. I have grown pumkins for about 30 years.

BTW, don't remove too many leaves, they are there for a purpose.

Answer 4

I grow pumpkins every year....here is my advice.  You can trim the ends of the vines if you really must, but I wouldn't if you don't.  Do NOT remove any leaves on the vines that have pumpkins on them, but you can get rid of vines that aren't producing and getting in the way.  If you are able, it is good to bury portions of the vines along the way (at a leaf node) especially in areas near a pumpkin...they will send down roots here and get more water to the pumpkin.  This is also good if the main vine gets squash borers or diseased...now the vine has another way of getting water and nutrition.  Bottom line, remove tips and vines if it really bothers you, but it is best to leave them alone.  If you want bigger pumpkins, you only leave one pumpkin per individual runner.  Good luck!

Answer 5

Oohhh Jame, can Mom have some pumpkins this year??!!!