Planting and Care
Pumpkins will thrive in a warm, sunny spot that has fertile, well-drained soil. Prepare your garden by adding lots of organic material, doing a quick soil test and following a good crop rotation plan.
- Add organic material
- Conduct a soil test
- Implement crop rotation
- Ensure sufficient water supply by sinking a 15cm (6in) pot alongside each plant. Water into this pot to make sure the water goes deep to the roots and does not cause rot at the neck of the plant.
Harvesting and Timing
Generally, pumpkins take 90-120 days to mature after seeds are planted, depending on the variety. Pumpkins are ripe when:
- Fully colored
- Have a hard rind
- Woody stem is present
Tip: Plant a pumpkin vine near a natural water source like a pond or stream to get larger fruits. For Halloween pumpkins, wait a few more weeks for optimal size.
Pumpkin Origins
The quintessential symbol of autumn, pumpkin can be found in six continents around the world – but its true home is Mexico. Calabaza is a pre-Hispanic crop that dates back more than 7,500 years. Pumpkins require at least eight hours of direct sun each day, so choose a sunny spot in your garden accordingly.