Pumpkin is a vegetable widely cultivated in hot and humid climates around the world. There are many varieties for all kinds of uses, seed production, pulp, to produce tools, decorative uses, musical instruments, etc.

Pumpkin seed cultivation

There are many pumpkin varieties, with the cultivation depending on each one. Sowing is normally done directly in the ground or in seedbeds, after the last frost.

Pumpkins love the sun. It should be grown in a plot exposed to direct sunlight for at least 6 hours a day. It requires a nutrient-rich and well-drained soil.

It is recommended to germinate the seeds over 12ºC. The recommended space between plants depends on the variety, but since it is a crawling plant it should be 1-2m. It is transplanted from the seedbed to the vegetable patch when the seedling has at least 3 leaves, and there is no longer any risk of frost.

They require an average irrigation, preventing the soil from drying out completely. Do not let it become waterlogged, as this could cause the roots to rot.

Pruning pumpkins by limiting their growth usually helps to produce larger pumpkins, since the plant concentrates its energy on fruiting.

Pumpkin plants are quite resistant to pests. They are most attacked by downy mildew or powdery mildew, as well as red spider mites and aphids. Also be careful with snails, as they love their tender shoots.

Pumpkins are normally harvested six months after planting, although it depends on the variety. Ripening also varies according to the variety, but in general it can be seen how the skin softens a little and, if a nail is driven in, it penetrates quite easily.

Pumpkins associates favourably with corn, cabbage, and lettuce, although its rapid development may make intercropping difficult.

Pumpkins are highly recommended due to their nutritional properties. They provide the organism with a great amount of fibre, as well as vitamins and essential minerals (iron, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, and zinc). Thanks to their high-water content, they contain hardly any calories.