Fasciation (Deformed Plant Growth) of Pumpkin

  When we plant our pumpkin seeds, we are hoping to grow a perfect specimen with the biggest pumpkin.  We have done all the preparation work and treated the seed the way we feel is right to get the best growth, and then after a few weeks we find a deformed fat looking growth on our plant.

  This deformity or strange growth is called Fasciation, and your plant may have thicker stems, multiple flowers, or some other odd shape, and is generally a random occurrence, which is nothing to worry about, even if it’s the first time you have seen it happen.

How does Fasciation Happen?

  This deformed growth is the mutation of a plant's growing tip, and can be visible on the stem, flowers, or fruits. It may result in the plant producing multiple flowers on the affected stems. The flowers may also look flat or stretched, and squashed together, and not as they "should look”.

  The effects can be obvious, creating huge oversized flat stems and flowers. They can be splayed apart, or may look like they are several stems fused into one.

The Causes of Fasciation

  The effects of fasciation begin as a genetic mutation which is often entirely random.  The understanding of the science is that some outside factors can cause a hormone imbalance in the plant, and this can lead to the odd physical appearance of the plant.

  Other causes can be physical damage to the plants from insects or other animals, chemicals effects, frost damage, or careless gardeners can stress the plant into fasciation. Some viruses, bacteria (such as Rhodococcus fascians), or fungal infections also leave the plant susceptible.

  A lack of zinc available in the soil for the plant to absorb is one of the biggest causes of Fasciation, as the zinc provides defence against the above susceptibilities of the plant.

  Large fluctuations in temperature when the plant is immature may also shock the plant into taking the odd fasciation growth habit.

Will this Strange Growth (Fasciation) Spread or Happen Again?

  For most plants its appearance is a one-off event, and even if one part of a plant is fasciated it usually will not spread to the rest of it. Fasciation doesn’t spread from plant to plant, so don’t panic if it suddenly appears in your garden, maybe start with a dose of fertiliser with zinc, to boost the plants defences.

  The best way to help your plants is to feed them with an all-purpose pelletised fertiliser, with zinc as this will help the plant defend itself against any problems that may make it grow in this deformed way. Fasciation may look unattractive, however with all the extra leaves and stems, you may be able to grow a bigger pumpkin.

                                              

                               Happy Gardening 😊