Prized Pumpkins

Prized Pumpkins

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Pumpkins are the big daddy of vegetables, and they certainly like to ramble. Although not ideal for small or even medium-sized veggie gardens, pumpkins can be accommodated in surprising ways: by allowing a vine to scramble up a tree, training it along a boundary wall, or planting it on the edge of a veggie garden and letting it grow over the fence into vacant land beyond (if you are so lucky).

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What’s to like about pumpkins?
The dense, orange flesh is delicious and nutritious when roasted or steamed, especially varieties like ‘Wit Boer’,  ‘Queensland Blue’, ‘Turk’s Turban’, ‘Cinderella’ and ‘Musquee De Provence’ (the real big daddy). They store very well, lasting up to three months. As one plant produces an average of eight fruits, and each fruit makes up several meals, planting a pumpkin is worth considering.

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What pumpkins need
Space, space, space (up to 12m2), full sun, deep, well-composted and manured soil where they are to be sown (called planting stations), plenty of water, and liquid fertiliser every 2-3 weeks after the first flower buds appear.

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Pumpkins for the patio?
There is only one mini-pumpkin available, aptly named‘Jack Be Little’. It produces at least eight minipumpkins (7-10cm in diameter) per plant. Cut them in half and roast or boil them, and eat them like gem squashes. A plant spreads about 2.5m and grows very well when trained on a trellis. It’s ideal for planting in large pots – just make sure that pots get regular, ample water and liquid feeding.

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Sowing and growing tips

• Sow 3-5 seeds per planting station. In large growing areas, space each station at least 2m apart. Planting stations are generally slightly hollowed (shallow dish shape), unless the seed is sown during the wet season when the station should be hilled for adequate drainage.
• Thin out seedlings, leaving the sturdiest 2-3 per station, or one where space is limited.
• Pumpkins are thirsty (because of their large leaf mass) and need regular deep watering. Water at the base of the plant and not on the leaves, to prevent mildew.
• Prevent pumpkin fly (it looks like a reddish-brown wasp), which stings small, young fruit when the skin is still soft. If you notice activity, spray every 3-5 days with an organic
  insecticide containing natural pyrethrins. Also remove infected fruit to reduce the fruit fly population.

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Harvesting
Space, space, space (up to 12m2), full sun, deep, well-composted and manured soil where they are to be sown (called planting stations), plenty of water, and liquid fertiliser every 2-3 weeks after the first flower buds appear.

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What if?
If leaves tend to wilt at midday and the soil is moist, wilting could be caused by nematodes or it could be that plants are simply adjusting to hotter temperatures and the leaves will harden. Mulched plants also tend to make softer growth.
Try this velvety pumpkin soup recipe!

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