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North Dakota

Assuming a roughly 600sq ft area giant pumpkin plant with main fruit about 18ft out on main vine, with main secondaries 15ft out each way and the rest in the Christmas tree pattern.

What percentage "importance" is the main plant root system versus all the nodes on the vines as far as moisture and nutrient uptake? I would just guess the plant as a whole would probably get something like 70 percent from the main root system where it is planted but what do you all think? 50/50, more from all the nodes and leaves, ???

Just curious what the consensus of thought is. I realize it all adds up but my thought as stated above is I almost think the original plant sight is the most important, was just wondering what rough estimation you'd assign to the main root system versus the rest of the plant.

[Last edit: 05/20/26 12:19:48 AM]

5/19/2026 11:52:35 PM

Central NY

I would guess 30 %....but it's all part of the the same puzzle.

5/20/2026 6:29:12 AM

Upa Creek, MO

Years ago, when foaming stuff was talked about quite a bit and people lost stump areas regularly (what you called main root system), and they still grew over 1k. I think the nodes along the main and then the nodes on each secondary do most of the work. I will say 75% nodes and 25% stump. Just a guess

5/20/2026 7:51:15 AM

Springfield, VT

I think it more depends on the stage of growth. Early on it is 100%, as the secondary roots develop it reduces. When the plant has fully grown out the stump isn't needed for growth. A foaming or rotting stump usually is best removed to stop disease.

5/20/2026 10:00:20 AM

Grittyville, WA

Is this a hypocotylcal question? (Joke) it's a good question not sure what the real question is though. I guess the real question is always "how do I grow a bigger pumpkin?".

5/20/2026 12:43:20 PM

Grittyville, WA

Theres a chance this could be wrong but I believe xylem only flows forward whereas phloem flows in all directions. Strictly speaking the secondary rooting doesn't directly help the pumpkin grow via the xylem, instead it supports the flow of the phloem which is the sugars. Spitballing here: in fruit development the phloem does 90% of the work but the first 10-15 days of cell division is supported by minerals in the xylem and this comes from the main roots. Hope that's helpful...

[Last edit: 05/20/26 1:02:01 PM]

5/20/2026 12:57:39 PM

Sainte-Catherine-de-Hatley, Quebec, Canada

I’d say 35 from the mail stump when the plan5 filled out

5/20/2026 4:56:30 PM