Pumpkin
Cucurbita pepo

Pumpkin Plant

Pumpkins are annuals, 18-72 inches tall, and frost-sensitive. They prefer well-drained, fertile soil in full sun. Keep the soil moist. Pumpkins are edible but not medicinal.

Picture illustrating Pumpkin plant
 

Habit

Annual

Height

1.0 to 2.0 m

Growth

Fast

Soil

Well-drained, Loamy

Shade

Full Sun

Moisture

Moist

Edible

Yes

Medicinal

Yes

Origin

North America

Climatic Condition

Tropical, Subtropical

Temperature (°)

15°C to 25°C

Humidity (%)

60% to 80%

Potting media

50% Loam, 40% Sand, 10% Compost

Fertilizers

Organic Fertilizer

Watering

Regular watering

Plant Weight 

5 to 10 kg

Flowering Time

Fall to Winter

Soil Ph level

6.0 to 7.5

Water Ph level

6.0 to 7.0

Soil EC

0.6 to 1.0 mS/cm

Yield Per Plant 

8 - 10 fruits/plant

NPK ratio 

10:10:10

life Span

2 to 4 years

Health Benefits

High in Nutrients, Medicinal

Suggested Grow Media or Potting Mix ?

50% loam, 25% compost, 25% sand


Suggested Fertigation/Fertilizers

Fertilize every 6 weeks with a balanced fertilizer.

Common Diseases and Remedies

Downy Mildew , Powdery Mildew

Pale green Leaves , White Patches on leaves 

Bordeaux mixture 1%@ 1liter of H2O, Neem oil

 Carbendizum , 

                  HEALTH BENEFITS

· Rich in beta-carotene, supporting eye health

· High in fiber, promoting digestion

· Boosts immunity with vitamins A and C

· Seeds are packed with magnesium and zinc

What Is A Pumpkin ?

Pumpkin plants are short-lived annual or perennial vines with broad leaves and branched vines. It produces large yellow or orange flowers and the fruits of certain types of pumpkins.  

pumpkin near tree

What Are The Different types of pumpkins? 

1. Field Squash:-

Field Squash is a true pumpkin with a hard stem and belongs to the species Cucurbita pepo.  

2.Green Pumpkin:-

Also called heirloom pumpkin. These pumpkins have thick green skin and a sweet, nutty flavor. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes.  

3.Baby Boo Pumpkins:-

These small white pumpkins are a type of acorn squash and are often used in fall displays.  

4.Cinderella Pumpkin:-

These pumpkins are an old French variety with vines over 3 meters long.  

5.Jack Bee Little Pumpkin:-

A palm-sized edible mini pumpkin that turns orange when ripe.  

orange pumpkins on gray field near green grassland at daytime selective focus photography

How do you care for your pumpkin plant?  

1.Location:-

At least 6 hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight each day.  

2.Sunlight:-

Pumpkins need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.  

3.Soil:-

 Pumpkins grow best in well-drained, sandy, organic, nutrient-rich soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.8. Sandy soils with lots of organic matter are best because they warm quickly and drain well.  

4.Hydration:-

Pumpkins require a steady supply of water to grow successfully. Generally, you should provide about 1 inch of water per week.  

selective focus photography of two pumpkins placed on chopping board

5.Nourshiment:- 

Plants should be fed weekly with compost tea or diluted Panchagavya. After flowering, sprinkle wood ash around the plant every two weeks to provide potassium.  

6.Issues:-

Alternaria leaf blight  

Alternaria leaf spot  

Cercospora leaf spot  

Downy mildew  

Fusarium crown

Foot rot

Fusarium solani

Gummy bear blight

Powdery mildew    

What are the benefits of the pumpkin plant?

Good for the heart.  

Acts as an antioxidant

 Helps lower blood sugar levels  

Protects against cancer  

Protects the liver  

Reduces the risk of rheumatoid arthritis

Protects against ulcers  

Increases male fertility  

Reduces the risk of breast cancer  

Supports Bladder and Prostate Health  

Supports Healthy Sleep

Improves Immunity  

orange squash vegetable

FAQ's About Growing Pumpkin Plants  

1. How long does it take to grow a pumpkin?  

Pumpkins typically ripen about 95 to 110 days after planting, but this varies by variety.  

2. When do pumpkins ripen?

Pumpkins are ready to harvest when they are fully colored, the vines begin to die back, and the skin is firm and can be scratched with your fingernail.  

3. How should I harvest pumpkins?  

Harvest ripe pumpkins with stems and store them in a place where they won't freeze. Cut with a sharp knife, leaving at least 2 inches of woody stem.  

4. How can I care for a pumpkin plant?  

Pumpkins require a lot of water, so it's best to use a soaker hose or drip irrigation. Try not to get the leaves wet. Feed your pumpkin with plenty of nutrients with continuously released plant food. When the pumpkin begins to form, lift it off the ground to prevent it from rotting.

5. What are the causes of plant stress?  

Plant stress can be caused by:  Too little or too much watering  Soil pH imbalance

Lettuce
Lactuca sativa