Growing pumpkins is easy. Pumpkins are tender annuals. Protect them from frost and cold weather both spring and fall. Weather below 50 degrees will slow or even stunt their growth. Plant outdoors after the last frost date for your area. Follow the spacing directions on the packet. They can vary significantly variety. Water well after planting, and a second time two to four days later, only if there has been no rain.
How to Grow: Seeds can be planted in hills four to six feet apart Sow four to six seeds per hill, thinning to two to three. Or, plant in rows six inches apart, thinning to 1 to 3 feet apart, depending upon how much space you have. Plant miniatures closer, and Giants farther apart. A variety of diseases affect pumpkins, most notable is powdery mildew. Apply fungicides at the first sign of a problem. Better still, apply them before plant disease problems occur. Hot, humid weather encourages pumpkin diseases.
Depending upon variety, Plan 85-95 days for miniatures, 100-120 days for Jack O'Lanterns and 130-150 days for giant pumpkins.
Pumpkins belong to the "Curcurbita" family. There are a wide range of varieties falling into these categories:
Cucurbita Moschata - This group of mainly squash includes the ones used for commercially canned food. Commercial varieties usually have a tan-colored skin.
Cucurbita Pepo- These are the Jack-o-Lantern type you carve on Halloween, as well as the cute little miniature varieties that fit in the palm of your hand.
Cucurbita Maxima - Maxima, as it's name implies, are the giant ones. Giant pumpkin growing has become a very popular hobby. Giant variety growers are among the most devoted, and perhaps fanatical of gardeners.
Days to maturity varies widely, depending upon variety. Plan 85-95 days for miniatures, 100-120 days for Jack O'Lanterns and 130-150 days for giant pumpkins.
 Disease: Gardeners love growing these vegatables. Insects and a wide variety of pests love 'em, too. The most common insects are Cucumber beetles, squash vine borers and squash bugs. Dusting or spraying regularly before an infestation occurs, is recommended.
Among the animals that love to eat these (either the plants or the fruit) are rabbits, and in the US and Canada, woodchuck, squirrels and deer. Use animal repellent like pepper and garlic sprays as needed. More on sprays.
Tip: Allow enough time after watering for the leaves to dry before evening. Water on the leaves in warm weather encourages plant disease. | |
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