Pumpkin is a plant that belongs to the genus Cucurbita. Although you may only remember her on Halloween, this is a herbaceous plant that is easy to grow. Therefore, from here we encourage you to do it because surely you will not regret it.
Below you will discover the most recommended species, the most interesting varieties and everything about how to grow and care for it to get a good harvest.
Origin and characteristics of the pumpkin
Pumpkin is a natural creeping or climbing plant from America . It has tendrils, thanks to which it can be spread easily. The leaves are generally rounded, sometimes lobed, green in color. The flowers are unisexual, that is, there are male and female flowers.
And its fruit is what we know as pumpkin, which in botanical terms is called peponid. It ripens towards the end of summer and the beginning of autumn . It is generally globose, but depending on the species it can be elongated. The color also varies: it can be orange to dark green.
Pumpkin varieties
The scientific name of the pumpkin is Cucurbita, although to be exact it is not the name, but the botanical genus to which it belongs. This genus includes a score of species, the following being the most cultivated:
Cucurbita ficifolia
Known as chilacayote , it is a type of pumpkin that grows wild in South America, specifically in its high altitude tropical regions. It is creeping and annual (lives only a few months), and has short, sharp spines on its stems. The fruit is globose, and measures between 50 centimeters wide by half the height approximately. This is also green with whitish spots.
Cucurbita maxima
It is the common pumpkin , and one of those used on Halloween. It is a creeping or climbing plant, with large green leaves and fruits considered gigantic since it is not only the species that produces the largest fruits, but also that they can weigh more than 100 kilos.
Cucurbita moschata
It is known as squash or zucchini, and it is a plant that is no longer found in nature. The shape and color of its fruits varies depending on the cultivar. They can be elongated and orange in the ‘Butternut’, or globose, compact and green in the ‘Yucateca’ .
Cucurbita palmata
Known as coyote squash, it is a creeping plant native to the southwestern United States. It has dark green, webbed leaves (hence its name), and yellow or dark green fruits that are inedible , as they have a bad taste.
Cucurbita pepo
It is known as squash, winter squash, and certain cultivars like zucchini . It is a creeping plant originating from Texas in the United States to Mexico. It has green leaves, and globose or sometimes elongated fruits of orange or green color .
What is the difference between pumpkin and pumpkin?
As a curiosity, and before moving on to cultivation, it is interesting to say that when we talk about squash we usually refer to the fruits of the Cucurbita pepo species , and squash to those of Cucurbita maxima . But, really, all fruits of the genus Cucurbita receive at least one of those common names.
Growing and caring for squash
To get a good pumpkin harvest it is important to know what the vital needs of the plant we want to grow are. To that end, we are going to explain everything you need to know about it:
Sowing
Pumpkin seeds should be sown early, in spring , and preferably in horticultural seedling trays with a specific substrate . But it is important that it be done once the temperatures remain above 15-18 degrees, since we are talking about a cold sensitive plant.
Location
From the first day this plant has to be located in a sunny place . It is necessary for it to be exposed to the star king to ensure that it develops correctly, since it will depend on whether it can produce delicious fruits.
Soil or substrate
Newly germinated pumpkin seedlings should remain in the seedbed until they emerge from the drainage roots. This seedbed must be filled with specific soil, as we have commented in Sowing, although you can also use substrate for an urban garden (for sale here ).
Once it is time to move them to a larger site, the ideal is to plant them in the ground, especially if it is a variety of giant fruits. The earth has to be rich in organic matter and also has to have good drainage so that the roots can breathe and grow without problems.
Irrigation
It must be moderate . It does not withstand drought, so we will have to water as we see that the land dries up. In summer the frequency will be higher, especially during a heat wave and / or in areas where the climate is dry.
When watering it is essential not to wet the plant, since otherwise it could suffer burns if the sun hits it at that time or it could even rot. Also, the ideal is to water in the late afternoon, so that the roots have more time to absorb the water.
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Fertilizing squash plants is highly recommended throughout the growing season . For this, organic fertilizers will be used, such as earthworm humus, cow manure, compost or guano.
Pests
Pumpkin can be attacked by many different pests, such as aphids, whiteflies, leaf miners, borers, and spider mites . Luckily there are several natural products that can be used to combat them, such as diatomaceous earth or potassium soap (on sale here ).
Diseases
It is vulnerable to rot caused by Phytopthora, Anthracnose and Fusarium . Therefore, avoid watering it excessively, and treat with fungicides such as copper.
Harvest
The pumpkin is harvested about six months after planting , when it has reached the final size and color. To find out if it is ready, we can press it a little: if we notice that it begins to be a little soft, then it is time to cut it.
Another trick is to hit it with your knuckles: if you hear a hollow sound, perfect, you can take it to your kitchen.
Pumpkin preservation
To make it last as long as possible, you have to keep it in a place where the temperature is kept at about 10 degrees Celsius , and that is also dry.
Uses and benefits
It is used basically as a horticultural plant, since it is edible . They can be cooked in the oven, made creams or sauces, purees, and it is even possible to eat it fresh in salads.
Plus, it has many health benefits , like these:
- It is useful in cases of constipation.
- It helps us to have strong defenses.
- It is diuretic.
- Improves skin and eye health.
Of course, it also has some contraindications. And is that if you have an allergy to this fruit you should not consume it. Likewise, if you usually have diarrhea, you should not consume the seeds either as they have a lot of fiber and the symptoms that accompany this problem, such as gas or abdominal pain, would worsen.
Another use is decorative , on days like Halloween. A few pumpkins scattered around the garden or patio look great. So don’t hesitate to leave some to decorate.
What do you think of the pumpkin? Like?