Scientific name of common pumpkins, which are rounded with smooth skin and yellow colour, is Cucurbita pepo. Scientific name of large cultivars of pumpkins and squashes (giant pumpkins) is Cucurbita maxima. Scientific name of winter cultivars of pumpkins and squashes is Cucurbita moschata. Pumpkins are actually a group of squash plants, fruits of which may be small-, medium- or large-sized with round or elongated shape and with smooth or ribbed skin. Fruit colour varies from green to greenish yellow to deep yellow to orange to red color. Fruit has a thick shell which contains seeds and pulp. Numerous pumpkin cultivars are available in the market that varies in shape, size and colour of flesh. Most parts of the pumpkin are edible, including the fleshy shell, pumpkin seeds, the young leaves, and the pumpkin flowers.
Growing practices for pumpkins are similar to those of any other gourds and melons. A detailed account of various growing practices for pumpkins is given below:
Climate Requirements: Pumpkin is a warm season crop and prefers plenty of direct sunlight; the plant is tolerant to partial shade and can be grown along with other tall plants. Pumpkin is not as sensitive to frost as melons; however, sometimes, frost may be detrimental. In tropics, the crop may be planted in early July. It grows well in regions with a comparatively low temperature and high humidity. Pumpkin varieties require 110-120 days to reach maturity. A frost-free season of about four months is essential for quality fruit production.
Soil Requirements: Pumpkins grow well in well-drained, rich soils with good water holding capacity. Though they have a spreading growth habit, they have a shallow root system and therefore shallow cultivation is recommended. The plants can be grown in medium acid soils but do best at a pH of 6.0 or 6.5.
Sowing Time and Seed Rate: Propagation is by seeds; seeds may be sown from January to March in the plains for the summer crop. For the rainy season crop, seeds are sown in June-July, just before the onset of the monsoons. In the hills, seeds are sown in March-April. The average number of seeds per 100 gram is 600. The seed rate per hectare is 7 to 8 kg.
Planting: Single row system may be followed for planting pumpkins. Rows of ridges are prepared in the main fields. Seedlings are planted on raised ridges at 30-40 inches apart. Between two rows, 8-12 feet spacing may be given; this will give sufficient space for the spreading of the plants.
Fertilizers and Irrigation Requirements: Pumpkin crops may suffer if soil moisture is less and hence it is necessary to keep the soil moist always, especially during the vegetative growth phase. However, both drought-like and overwatering conditions should be avoided. Regarding fertilizers, pumpkins are heavy feeders and hence nitrogenous fertilizers should be applied liberally.
Harvesting and Yield: Pumpkins should not be harvested until they are fully ripe, that is, when the rind has hardened. A portion of stem attached is left at the time of harvest. The fruits are placed on small piles or in a heap and then allowed to dry in the sun or cured for a few days. Yield is about 20-25tons/ha. The recommended storage temperatures are 15-20OC for the first 2-3 weeks and then 10-15OC as a standard temperature at 75% relative humidity.
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