How to top and prune pumpkins?

In the process of planting pumpkins , it is very important to do a good job of topping and pruning. The purpose is to adjust the growth of the pumpkin vines, encourage more pumpkins, and increase yields. So how do you top and prune pumpkins? Let’s learn more about it below.

How to top a pumpkin?

1. Topping time

The time for topping is mainly during the main vine growth period of the pumpkin, the flowering period of the pumpkin and the fruit setting period of the pumpkin. Topping the pumpkin during the main vine stage mainly starts when the main vine grows to 1.5m-2m; topping can also be done during the pumpkin flowering period when there are too many male flowers or too few fruits and the fruits cannot set; topping the pumpkin can also be done during the fruit setting period to inhibit the growth of the main and side vines and promote pumpkin growth.

2. Topping method

When topping the pumpkin, you can use a knife or your bare hands to pinch off 5-10cm of the main vine tip.

3. Notes

After the pumpkin is topped and pinched, wounds will appear, which will provide an opportunity for pathogens to invade. You can spray 800 times diluted thiophanate-methyl for prevention.

How to prune pumpkins?

1. Side vine pruning

Cut off excess side vines and weak branches, and fix the remaining main vines and side vines with soil or supports so that they grow in the direction of sufficient sunlight.

2. Leaf pruning

During the growth of pumpkins, regularly trim side vines and remove weeds to keep the field clean and ventilated.

3. Proper pruning

Choose the appropriate pruning method according to the pumpkin variety and growth conditions. Early-maturing varieties are suitable for single-vine pruning, which means leaving only one main vine to bear fruit and cutting off the excess side branches. Mid- to late-maturing varieties are suitable for multi-vine pruning. Pinch off the main vine when it has about 5 leaves, leaving about 3 side branches and cutting off the rest. Ornamental small pumpkins can be pruned using the 1-3 vine method.

4. Pruning tips

When pruning branches, you must use sharp scissors or a knife. And the cut must be smooth, leaving no burrs or tears, so that the wound can heal faster and is less likely to be infected by pests and diseases. In addition, after pruning the branches, you must fertilize it in time to supplement nutrients. You can choose some organic fertilizers or compound fertilizers to fertilize, and keep the soil moist.

In general, through correct topping and pruning, the growth of pumpkin plants can be effectively controlled, the development of fruits can be promoted, and the yield and quality can be improved. Therefore, growers must be proficient in the relevant skills and methods.