Guess how large this giant pumpkin will be
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Hope #1 from May 28. Photo: Linh Ta/Axios
Linh here. I'm busy at my house raising two punks (short for pumpkins).
Driving the news: I'm growing a giant pumpkin named Hope with the goal of showing it at the Iowa State Fair. (I'm also growing Hope #2, just in case.)
State of play: Iowa weather has been wild. Last week, the evenings got so cold, I was afraid Hope's growth would be stunted.
- This week it's been warm, and a flower finally bloomed, which will help with pollinating and growing our actual pumpkin later.
What's happening: We're going to do our own prediction market, and you can guess how big Hope will get. I'm hoping for between 50 and 500 pounds.
- (The winner doesn't get any money, but I'll send you something that I think is cool.)
What Hope has going for it:
- It's a hybrid of two seeds that produced award-winning giant pumpkins.
- Iowa soil rocks.
- I'm using the sage advice of pumpkin king Don Young.
What it lacks:
- I think I planted it in the wrong direction for where the vine will grow.
- Squash vine borers are supposed to appear next month and can wreak havoc on my plant.
- I am winging it.
The bottom vine: We're going with Price is Right rules. Make your guesses here.
Countdown: 77 days until judgment day.
