Growth Habit: Sprawling vine (requires space to spread)
Mature Size: Large pumpkins, variety-dependent (10-50 lbs or more)
Days to Maturity: 90-120 days
Uses: Carving, baking, roasting, soups, and decorative purposes
Planting Instructions:
Seed Preparation:
No special preparation is required.
Optional: Soak seeds in warm water for 12-24 hours to improve germination.
Sowing Guidelines:
Direct Sowing (Recommended):
When to Plant: After the last frost, when soil temperature is at least 65°F (18°C).
Soil Preparation:
Use well-drained, nutrient-rich soil with pH 6.0-7.5.
Incorporate compost or aged manure for fertility.
Planting Depth: Sow seeds 1 inch deep.
Spacing:
Hills: 3-5 seeds per hill, with hills 4-6 feet apart.
Rows: Space plants 3-5 feet apart, with rows 8-12 feet apart for large varieties.
Indoor Sowing (For Short Growing Seasons):
Start seeds indoors 2-4 weeks before the last frost.
Transplant seedlings outdoors when they have 2-3 true leaves and nighttime temperatures stay above 50°F (10°C).
Growing Conditions & Care:
Sunlight: Full sun (6-8 hours daily).
Watering: Keep soil evenly moist, providing 1-2 inches of water per week. Water at the base to prevent fungal diseases.
Fertilization: Use a high-nitrogen fertilizer (e.g., 10-5-5) early on, switching to high-phosphorus and potassium (e.g., 5-10-10) when flowers and fruits begin forming.
Mulching: Apply mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Pollination: Pumpkins require pollinators (bees) for fruit set. If needed, hand-pollinate by transferring pollen from male to female flowers.
Harvesting & Storage:
When to Harvest:
90-120 days after planting, when the pumpkin’s skin hardens and the stem turns brown.
Knock on the pumpkin; a hollow sound indicates ripeness.
Harvesting Method:
Cut the pumpkin from the vine, leaving a 2-3 inch stem for longer storage.
Storage:
Cure pumpkins in a warm, dry place for 7-14 days to harden the skin.
Store in a cool (50-55°F), dry location for up to 3 months.
Heirloom Pumpkin Vegetable Seeds, for Planting (Cucurbita Pepo) Heirloom Vegetable Seeds, Grow Large Size Pumpkinsالسعر بعد الخصم$14.00 USD
