In article , B. Server
wrote:

On Sun, 20 Jul 2008 13:08:30 -0700, Frank J Warner
wrote:

Years ago my father used to grow pumpkins in his front yard. They'd
grow thick and lush and he'd have enough to eat, put away, and give to
the neighborhood kids for halloween.

I thought I'd try the same thing in my front yard this year but didn't
think I'd have any luck. His yard was rich alluvial soil. Mine is
pretty much beach sand. But lo and behold I've got four great looking
plants spreading over the whole yard with a dozen or more rather large
fruit (?) on them and more on the way; they're still blossoming!

So, two questions:

1. When are they ripe enough to pick and eat? (I know, when they turn
pumpkin color, dummy! But that might not be true. After they turn
completely orange, are they completely ripe, or should I look for some
other sign?)

2. How long can they remain on the vine before they are past their
prime? Do they get woody, lose their flavor, or does other bad things
happen to them if you don't pick them at the peak time?

Many thanks, as usual.

-Frank

You did not say where you are. In the northern U.S., say north of the
Ohio River, my experience is that they will stay on the vines until
frost without harm and become progressively sweeter. In the far
south, say the Gulf coast, they are a lot harder to keep after
maturity because it is warm for several additional months. You should
probably inquire of local gardeners and your county extension service
(assumng that you are in the U.S.).

Sorry for the omission. I should know better but I don't visit R.C.E.
often enough to remember this. I'm in California, Central Coast, near
Santa Barbara. Sunset garden zone 16. USDA zone 8a or 8b. No frost
until February or March.

Your answer about leaving them on the vines is useful. Anything else I
should know?

-Frank

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