Hello CompoDub,

I have grown pumpkins for the last 2 years and I have just left them to scramble around the ground as they like. I have never grown them upwards, only alongwards (if you see what I mean) Mine are only small and don't grow to the halloween pumpkin size but I should think you might have trouble supporting the fruit if you keep them growing upwards.

Not sure about planting out but at 4 feet long (tall) it seems to be very healthy and as long as there is no danger of frost in your area....

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A garden is a lovesome thing, God wot! (Thomas Edward Brown)